Joanne Morgan

Joanne Morgan was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. A caring nurturer, she cherished her years as a mother and was delighted with the arrival of her grandchildren. She always had high standards for herself, yet remained humble. Genuinely compassionate, she would do anything for others in need. Her remarkable loving ways will be deeply cherished by all who knew and loved her.

The 1930s were significantly impacted by the effects of the Great Depression. Russell and Ruth (Benson) Wilson welcomed home the arrival of their new baby girl, Delores Joanne, on October 28, 1931, in Traverse City, Michigan. Following her older brother, Dean, and later joined by her younger siblings; Eugene, and Phyllis, her birth brought much joy and happiness to their family.

Joanne’s childhood was typical of those who were raised during the tough economic times of the era. Her parents were hard-working. Her father owned and operated his own flooring company while her mother was a homemaker. Once their children had grown, they opened the Land O Lakes Motel in Traverse City. All of the Wilson children were raised with a strong foundation in faith and attended Pilgrim of Holiness Church. Joanne enjoyed participating in youth groups and in the dramatic presentations at church at a young age. She also loved ice skating and playing with her dolls and doll house, which was a corn crib, next door at her grandparent’s home. Growing up, Joanne had a very special bond with her grandmother. At the tender age of sixteen, Joanne was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Her parents sought the best treatment at the University of Michigan Medical Center. The surgeons were able to remove the tumor and Joanne took a year off from school to recover. Ambitious as well as studious, she still graduated on time at the top of her class from Traverse City High School in 1950! She also held a job during these years at the local Dalquist Dime Store. After graduation, Joanne enrolled in courses at the Pilgrim of Holiness school in Owosso.

Not to be forgotten, was the meeting of Merle Morgan, a recently discharged Marine who served in the Pacific during WWII. Both of them were attending the same youth meeting at church and it was love at first sight! After dating for some time, the happy couple joined in marriage on April 10, 1950. They shared a beautiful life together and raised seven wonderful children.

As a mother, Joanne thrived in her role. She was always there when the children got on and off the school bus with a homemade treat waiting on the counter at the end of the day! She loved to plan their daily meals around the evening schedule. Joanne used her quiet morning time after the hustle and bustle to sit quietly in prayer. She often included extended family in her prayers stretching her routine into the afternoon. Her home was always a welcoming place for her children’s friends. She loved to wait on them with the same care and concern she gave to her own children. However, on Saturdays, friends and play dates had to wait until the Morgan children were finished with their Sunday School studies in preparation for church the following day. For many years, Joanne directed the church Christmas program which always included one of her dramatic presentations. As a family, they shared many special memories together, especially trips visiting Niagara Falls, the Great Smokey Mountains, Mackinac Island, and going out west.

When the grandchildren arrived, Joanne and Merle felt very blessed. Joeanne continued her example of planning their routines and schedules. She treasured their special memories of playing games, reading Bible stories, and watching them when they were sick and needed her tender loving care. She enjoyed cooking their favorite meals and making sure they received special presents at Christmastime. Joanne always shared the Gospel Christmas story with her children and carried on this tradition with her grandkids. She was especially grateful for the wonderful trips they took together to Boston, New York City, Gatlinburg, and Cape Cod. Each of her grandchildren was special to her and she was immensely proud of every one of them.

Joanne’s greatest legacy will be the selflessness that she showed throughout her lifetime. She was dedicated to meeting her eldest son Stephen’s special needs and cared for him until he passed. No greater testimony of her love for Merle was the exceptional way she never left his side when he became ill. Joanne also saw to it that her mother had the best of care until she passed. With each of these examples, her children learned how to treat others during their most vulnerable life stages. She modeled for them the sanctity of feeding the sick and caring for those in need, which is the true meaning of her faith. A Godly woman, Joanne’s rich gifts that she shared openly with her family will be deeply treasured and greatly missed. May the memories she shared stay forever in the hearts of her loved ones and may they find great comfort in knowing that she loved each and every one of them beyond measure.

Delores “Joanne” Morgan, age 90, of Grand Rapids, MI, went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 27, 2022. Joanne was born October 28, 1931, in Traverse City to the late Russell and Ruth (Benson) Wilson. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Merle Morgan; sons, Larry Morgan and Stephen Morgan; great-grandson, Avery Bakker; and brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Betty Wilson. Joanne was a charter member of Bristolwood Church where she was a Sunday school teacher, pianist, and dedicated member. Her family was her great love in this world, especially her grandchildren. Joanne is survived by her children, Suzanne (Henry) Ykema of Holland, Sandra Morgan of Allendale, Janis (Brent) Metz of Grand Rapids, Mark Morgan of Grand Rapids, Bonnie (Gary) Becker of Wayland; grandchildren, Rick Mansfield, Shaun Dingess, Candy Mansfield, Kim Mansfield, Todd Morgan, Michael (Courtney) Metz, Nick (Madison Appleyard) Morgan, Mark Metz, Matthew (Emily) Metz, Nathan (Kaite) Morgan, Derek (Chrissy) Becker; 20 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Eugene Wilson and Phyllis (LeRoy) Hansen; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at 11 AM at Clyde Park Church of the Nazarene, 2545 Clyde Park Ave SW. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10 AM. The interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Bristolwood Church or Heritage Bible Church. To leave a memory or condolence please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.