WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
G. Joy Britton, age 76, of Sturgis, Michigan passed away early Thursday morning January 17, 2013 at the Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.
She was born July 9, 1936 in Hillsdale, Michigan daughter of the late Charles Leroy and Gertha Leone (Welker) Britton.
Joy resided in Sturgis since 1988 coming from Hillsdale.
She had held various jobs during her life but her real career was raising children. She took great pride in raising eight of her own and being a super babysitter for many others who lovingly called her “Grandma Joy”. She was very much looking forward to becoming a great-great-great grandmother this March.
Joy was an avid reader and favored topics on Egypt, forensic science, space science and the English Monarachy. She also loved to discuss politics.
She was preceded in death by two husbands whom she loved very much: William John Youga, Sr. and Henry “Hank” Janiak, III.
She is survived by her eight children: Leone (Shannon) Kirkpatrick of Hillsdale, William “John” (Lisa) Youga, Jr. of Centreville, Phyllis (Russell Gordon) Youga of Sturgis, Louis Youga of Battle Creek, Charles Youga of Cement City, Sandra Deck of Coldwater, Henry Joe Youga of Hillsdale and Samantha (James) Pearl of Battle Creek; 13 grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, two great grandchildren, one honorary grandchild; two brothers: Richard (Ann) Britton of Hudson and Al (Gerda) Britton of Trenton and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Charles Leroy Britton and Leone Tuttle; one sister; five brothers, honorary brother and one grandchild.
The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 P.M. Sunday and 10:00 – 10:45 A.M. Monday at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331. Funeral services celebrating the life of Joy Britton will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday at the funeral home. Pastor Robert Keim will officiate. A graveside service and burial will take place at 4:00 P.M. Monday at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Morenci.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Joy’s memory consider Sturgis Home Health Care, P.O. Box 126, Sturgis, MI 49091 or Commission on Aging, 103 S. Douglas St., Three Rivers, MI 49093.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
