John Persons

John Edward Persons. Sunrise: January 22, 1940. Sunset: December 25, 2024.

John Persons, of Wyoming, Michigan, passed away peacefully in his bed on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024 at 84 years old.

John was a devoted husband to Linda M. Persons (Thomas), and loving father to Charles E. Persons and Andrew J. Persons. But John’s highest devotion was to his Lord, Jesus Christ whom he worshiped constantly.

In his younger years, John grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He met Linda Mae Thomas at church, and they were married on June 26, 1964 at Bethel Baptist Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

John and Linda settled in the Grand Rapids area, where John resided the rest of his life. John and Linda joined Maplelawn Baptist Church, and John worshiped there until his disease made it impractical.

John worked for several companies in his career, always providing for his family. He had a loving heart for service too. John served in many capacities at Maplelawn Baptist, including Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, Usher, and Choir Member, just to name a few. He was always eager to lend a helping hand to anyone around him as well - for neighbors, family, and fellow church members alike.

John was showing signs of memory issues for a few years before his diagnosis in 2019 of Frontotemporal Degeneration/Dementia. John suffered from the progression of that disease for the rest of his life with grace, peace and a smile. He moved to Porter Hills Village skilled nursing home in July of 2023, where he was lovingly cared for.

John was preceded in death by his parents, William and Frances Persons, and sister-in-law Alvina Persons (Miller) and brother-in-law Carl Wedge. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda, his younger brothers and sister, William Carl Persons, Herb (Linda) Persons and Cyndee Wedge, his children, Chad & Andy (Sabina), his grandchildren, Samuel, Anabel and Tommy, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on January 19, 2025 at 4pm at Maplelawn Baptist Church, 124 Maplelawn St., SW, Wyoming, Michigan. Please join the family afterward for a time of remembering.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be to: Emmanuel Hospice, 401 Hall St SW, Suite 263 Grand Rapids, MI 49503