Joyce Gardner-Lawton

Joyce Gardner-Lawton, age 83, of Durand, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Durand Senior Living. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 12:00 PM, Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 700 E. Columbia Drive, Durand with Fr. Steve Anderson as celebrant. The family will receive visitors from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM Monday, February 10 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. On Monday evening, the family and parish will gather to pray the rosary at 7:00 PM. Tuesday morning, Joyce will be taken to church to lie in state from 11:00 AM until the time of Mass at 12:00 PM. Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to the Hurley Foundation.

Joyce was born on February 25, 1941 in Charlottesville, Virginia the daughter of the late Grayson and Bessie (Ryans) McLean. She graduated from Battle Creek Central High School before continuing her education at Spring Arbor University where she earned her bachelors degree in Business Management. Joyce worked as a Medical Administrator at Hurley Medical Center for many years and HealthPlus for 10 years before her retirement. She was united in marriage to Bruce Lawton on March 16, 1997. Together they enjoyed traveling and going to the lake house on Houghton Lake. Above all, Joyce cherished her time with her family and grandchildren. 

She is survived by her husband, Bruce Lawton; 2 daughters, Kelli Miner and Karin (Steve) Hawkins; sister, Pam Abston; 5 stepchildren, Bob (Linda) Lawton, John Lawton, Michael Lawton, James (Beth) Lawton and Kate Lawton; 12 grandchildren, Adam Davila, Alissa Davila, Taylor (Kaily) Hawkins, Wes (Alexandra) Hawkins, Bruce, Erin, Quinn, Myles Lawton, Hannah, Jake Wandoff, Emma and Grace Lawton; and 14 great-grandchildren. 

In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her 2 brothers, Tom and Don McLean; son-in-law, Jeff Miner; and granddaughter, Alexa Davila. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com