Joyce A. Start

October 5, 1938 - February 18, 2022

Joyce Arlene Start, age 83, was welcomed into the Lord’s arms on Friday, February 18, 2022. She was born on October 5, 1938 to Albert and Jennie (Dykema) Buit and was a resident of Muskegon her entire life. Joyce was a perfect name for her because she brought ‘joy’ to everyone around. With Joyce there was never a dull moment, and she could talk to anyone and everyone. “Oh, my golly” she lived life to the fullest! Joyce was a rural mail carrier for Fruitport’s post office for 34 years and loved the Fruitport community. She also was a member of Unity Reformed Church where she had taught catechism, was part of the Women’s Guild, and enjoyed bible study at Port City Church. We imagine her up in heaven dancing with the love of her life, Clarence Erwin Start, who passed away on March 23, 2011, after 53 years of marriage. Their life together was full of love, resolvable and sometimes humorous arguments, and different shenanigans. They loved to camp, hang out with friends (lots of friends) at Whitlow’s and Cozy Corner Café, attend church, and live out their faith in Jesus Christ. Joyce also stood by Clarence’s side throughout his years as a Muskegon County Commissioner and took care of him through life and his failing health. Joyce’s proudest accomplishments and survivors include her children, Terry (Joanne) Start, Larry (Deb Chapman Rau) Start, Kenneth (Sheryl) Start, Sheri (Carl) Wentzlof; grandchildren, Kristy (Steve) Sweet, Matthew (Anna) Start, Joshua Start, Aaron (Kristyn) Start, Eric (Tillie) Start, Sheri Sue (Zack) Weavers, Allison (Tyler) Wahr, Donny Wentzlof, Alex Wentzlof; great-grandchildren, Brooke, Tara, Alexa, Makayla, Aria, Jayden, Jackson, Decker, Kellen, Taylee, Tucker and Wyatt. Also surviving her include her sisters, Marilyn (Bert) Bowen, Karen Scraver; sister-in-law, Shirley Start; many nieces, nephews and close friends. Joyce was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert (Mary) Buit; and brothers-in-law, David Start and James (Barb) Start. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held at 1PM Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Unity Reformed Church (1521 Porter Road Norton Shores 49441) with Rev. David Celeskey officiating. VISITATION will be one hour prior to the service, from 12-1 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Harbor Hospice Foundation. Share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100.