Birth date: Apr 20, 1931 Death date: Jun 6, 2019
Joyce A. Gervais, age 88, passed away at home Thursday, June 6, 2019. Joyce was born April 20, 1931 to George and Annis “Dolly” (Doneth) Akerley in Muskegon. She was a teacher in the Fruitport school system for 22 years, retiring Read Obituary
I know Ms Gervais had an impact on so many kids but let me just share that she always knew the value of reading aloud to students. I felt safe and comfortable every day in her class and looked forward to those read aloud times. I would relax and listen to the way she raised and lowered her voice to accentuate the scenes. As a teacher myself now, I remember how valuable read aloud is. Just to put time in perspective, I was in her 6th grade class 45 years ago.
I had Mrs. Gervais for 2nd and 3rd grade. She was the kind of teacher that every kid wanted to be. She cared about her students more than her job asked her to or required her to. She made a lasting impact on my life and I’m a better person for having had her as a teacher.
Mrs. Gervais was an amazing woman. Not only was she so amazing, but also was my 2nd and 3rd grade teacher at Edgewood Elementary school in 1985-1987. My father passed away when I was in her class, and she took a donation from all of the kids in class and hand delivered an apple tree to my house, that apple tree still stands in my mother’s back yard. She was the most caring, loving lady. She had such an impact on my youth as well as many others. I saw her 15 years ago and she’s never forgotten who I was.. she was just as sweet as she was back then. She will be missed by so many of us. She permanently has a spot in my heart. Blessings to the family she leaves behind. She was one in a million.
Tara Pearson
Mrs. Gervais was my elementary teacher for 2nd and 3rd grade, and my favorite teacher. When I think of elementary school, I picture her. She was so sweet and had such an impact on my life. I will remember her always. Many prayers and blessings for the family.
I remember Joyce from way back when I was working at the RPJHigh. Am very sorry for your loss. May she rest in eternal rest...
Terri, i did not get the honor of meeting your mother, from what read of her and all of your posts and pictures i do feel i got to know her thru you. I realize and know how much you loved her and everything you did to make her life more comfortable. It's easy to see where you got your beauty and love of life came from.She lives on thru you. May you find peace and solace knowing she is in a better place.
