Joel W. Lloyd's Obituary
Joel Wesley Lloyd, age 83, passed away in Muskegon, MI, on August 29, 2023. He was born in Corry, PA, on May 21, 1940, to Harold and Miriam (Berkebile) Lloyd. On June 12, 1965, he married the former Rowena Reagle, and they spent 58 wonderful years together. Joel received his bachelor’s degree from Houghton College, and then went on to receive his master’s degree from Indiana State University of Pennsylvania. He moved to Muskegon, MI, in 1976 to work as a school psychologist for Muskegon Public Schools, which he did for 28 years before retiring in 2004.
Joel was an outgoing person who loved to talk with anyone everywhere he went, and his infectious friendliness brought joy to those around him. Joel loved to travel; he visited all but two states in the U.S. and also spent some time traveling in Europe. One of his favorite pastimes was photography, a hobby that he leaned into in his retirement years. You could find Joel singing his love for Jesus loudly in church choirs, and would jubilantly sing at nearly any opportunity. He was always very supportive of his family in their activities, going to many of his daughter’s horse shows in the past and attending many of his kids’ and grandkids’ events and activities. More than anything he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and grand-dogs.
Joel will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Rowena Lloyd; three children: Karen Elizabeth Couture, Brian Joel (Megan) Lloyd, and Rebecca Lloyd; six grandchildren: Matthew Hodges, Hannah (Kyle Overholt) Hodges, Jonah Hodges, Anora Lloyd, Theran Lloyd, and Braelyn Lloyd; one great-grandchild: Felix Overholt; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Miriam Lloyd; brother, Dr. Gerald Ray (Norma) Lloyd; and son in-law, Timothy Couture.
A MEMORIAL VISITATION will be taking place for Joel from 5:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI, 49444. Memorial contributions may be made out to American Society for Deaf Children at https://deafchildren.org/donate/ or United Methodist Church of the Dunes at https://umcdunes.org/give/. Please sign the family’s online guestbook and share memories at sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Joel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joel?
Share a story where Joel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joel you’ll never forget.
How did Joel make you smile?