Janice Rita Briggs' Obituary
Janice Rita (Dykema) Briggs, age 77, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, May 2, 2020 after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Janice was born on February 5, 1943 to Peter & Anna Dykema in Muskegon, Michigan. Janice graduated from Muskegon High School in 1960 and then attended MCC where she earned her Associate of Arts. Her love of working with children led her to pursue bachelor's and master's degrees from Western Michigan University in Special Education. She initially taught at Angell Elementary and then Bunker Elementary Schools, specializing in the early elementary grades. In the summer of 1963, she met her beloved husband, John M. Briggs III (Jack). They married on May 20, 1967. After several years, Janice left teaching to become a stay-at-home mom and loved raising their two daughters. During that time she remained involved in education in the Mona Shores Public School District as a founding member of the Talented & Gifted program and as an eight-year school board member. When her daughters were older, Janice returned to teaching at Wesley School as a favorite and frequent long-term substitute teacher for many years where she dearly loved the students and staff. In addition to being a wife, homemaker, and mother, she was a lifelong member of Berean Church, now known as Anchor Point Bible Church, and actively involved in church activities including children's & women's ministries. Janice will be forever remembered as a loving grandma & "Bama" to her five grandchildren. Her favorite place was "The Badger Boat House" in Ludington. Janice will be greatly missed by her devoted husband of almost 53 years, Jack, daughters Jennifer (Michael) Briggs Russell; Jill (Tom) Snider; and her five grandchildren, who were her pride and joy: Katie, Donovan, Hannah, Maddie & Laynie; sister Marianne (Joe) Fields; brother John (Carla) Dykema; sister-in-law Mary (Gary) Briggs Cadez; brother-in-law James (Kathy) Briggs; long-time, loyal friend, Carol Cross, and many other dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Peter & Anna Dykema; sister, Donna Dykema; and nephew, Jim Fields. The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you for all the messages of comfort and love our friends and family have already extended, as well as the amazing support over the last 21 months by Comfort Keepers caregivers, and more recently the incredible involvement by Harbor Hospice over the last four months. A memorial service to honor the life of our wife, mother, sister, grandma and "Bama" will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Anchor Point Bible Church,(635 Seminole Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49441) with the Rev. Dr. Rob Renberg officiating. VISITATION with Janice’s family will be one-hour (10-11:00 AM) prior to the service. For a more lasting memorial you are asked to consider Harbor Hospice Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100. Share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Janice?
What’s a lesson you learned from Janice?
Share a story where Janice's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Janice you’ll never forget.
How did Janice make you smile?