Joyce Hamilton

Hamilton, Joyce Ann, Flint Township, age 76 passed away on January 6, 2022. Joyce is survived by her son David (Beth) Hamilton, daughter Lori Melton, and grandson Isaac, nephews and nieces Denise (Joe) Kuhna, Bryan (Melinda) Statler, Bradley (Kay) Statler, Deborah (Joe) Brita, Gary Bendall, Brenda Bendall, Jonathan Hamilton, Jennifer Hamilton (fiancé Rob), Christine (Terry) Blake, Harrison Hamilton, Mason Hamilton, Alexandra Hamilton, several great nieces and nephews, cousins David (Dee) Statler, Reginald Statler, and lifelong friends Linda Fouchea and Carol Archer.
Joyce was a devoted and loving wife to her husband, Chris, for over 46 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on March 1, 2020. She also deeply loved her brother, Donald Statler, who preceded her in death on May 19, 2011. Her parents, Barney and Marion Statler also preceded her in death.
Joyce graduated from Flint Central High School in 1963 and had an extensive career in the dental field as both a dental assistant and office manager for over 40 years before she retired. Throughout her career, she poured her heart into her job and loved building relationships with her patients - and the love and respect was mutual. She served on the board at Easter Seals in Flint, supported various charities, including the Old Newsboys of Flint, of which her husband was longtime executive director.
She was a loving mother and grandmother who selflessly gave her heart, soul, energy, and time to her family in every way possible. She was a devoted Christian and active member of Lincoln Park United Methodist Church in Flint and cherished her relationship with Pastor Maurice Horne and his wife Mae, even after the church closed.
Joyce was kindhearted, loving, and generous. She could light up a room with her beautiful smile, and her huge heart had no boundaries. If a family member or friend needed her, she would be there, without reserve, with endless love and support. Her friends and family cherished her incredible sense of humor. She could make anyone laugh with her unique, quick wit and often hilarious way to “tell a story.”
She had a beautiful singing voice. She sang in the choir for many years at Lincoln Park and loved doing karaoke with family and friends. A huge fan of Elvis Presley, she did stunningly accurate impersonations of his every word, motion, and indelible lip curl. She also entertained audiences to roaring applause at many unforgettable lip sync duets with her husband, Chris, for the Mott Community College Scholarship Fund.
Along with singing, she loved fishing, boating, and spending time at her cabins at Bass Lake in Northern Michigan with her family and friends.
Her loved ones also called her Joyce “Christmas” Ann Hamilton - because she loved everything about Christmas - and decorating for the season - as well as for Halloween and other holidays. Every surface she touched was beautiful. She enjoyed cooking, loved making “an abundance” of food and sharing it with others - including her signature homemade pasties.
Her grandson, Isaac, was the light of her life and she was so proud of his high academic achievements, years in orchestra, and his four-year involvement with the DTV Broadcasting Program at Davison High School.
What amazed those who love her most, including her children, grandson, and closest friends is her incredible courage and tenacity in the face of a long battle with heart and lung issues that limited her physical capabilities in her later years. She never gave up fighting. She still gave her time and heart to others in every waking moment.
For her children and grandson, there will never be a stronger display of bravery, inspiration, or legacy of love to follow than hers - especially her unwavering fortitude during so many physical and emotional struggles - all after losing her husband.
To all who know and love her, she will forever remain the ultimate example of unconditional love, light, and laughter through the best and worst of times. Nothing will fill the void she leaves in the hearts of us who remain here without her until we reunite again. We love you, Mama, rest in peace now with Jesus, dad, Uncle Don, Grandma, and Grandpa.
Joyce did not wish for a service. Private burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Linden. Donations may be made in her memory to Old Newsboys of Flint and the American Heart Association.