JOYCE MARIE (WILMOT) BARRONS of Caro, formerly of Kingston, age 91, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the Tuscola County Medical Care Community in Caro. Joyce was born July 6, 1928 in Flint, the daughter of the late Forest and Hazel Wilmot. They moved to the family farm on Curry Road during the depression in 1933. Joyce and her sister, Shirley, being just a year apart, started school together at the Berry School on Bevens Road in Wells Township. In 1943 they moved into the village of Kingston. While attending Kingston High School, she worked at the drugstore for Pat and Hellen Burns, where she ran the soda fountain, and later, for the Tewksbury Insurance Agency. She was her class treasurer and graduated from Kingston High School in 1947.
Joyce married Jim Barrons at the Kingston United Methodist Church in 1948. They lived for a short time in Pontiac before returning to Kingston. Jim worked for Fisher Body in Pontiac and
Joyce later became the cafeteria cook at the high school. They had three sons; Ronald (1950), Kevin (1954), and Thomas (1961). Joyce loved to entertain and hosted many parties and anniversaries in her home. After many years as the head cook at the high school, she retired in 1989. She spent most of her life living in Kingston. Joyce was a big supporter of the school, and highly admired by all that knew her. Many students fondly referred to her as “ma”. She had a generous heart and would help anyone in need.
Joyce was very creative and a woman of many talents. Drawing, calligraphy, painting (watercolor and oil), pisanka, cake decorating and home decor. She loved to collect; mostly antiques and china and jewelry of all kinds. Not only was she a fantastic cook, but also a collector of cookbooks and recipes. At the time of her passing, she had accumulated thousands of books from around the country and over 10,000 recipes written by her in cursive. She also treasured her old family recipes handwritten by her mother and grandmother. Her favorite times of year were Thanksgiving and Christmas, as she loved to decorate, bake, and spend time with her family. She also looked forward to the annual Wilmot Family Reunion, held every August.
In 2002, Joyce moved from her home of fifty years on River Street in Kingston to Hickory Lane in Caro. She was a member of the Watrousville United Methodist Church. She lived happily in her home until shortly before her death with the help of her son, Ron, the Human Development Commission of Caro, and friend, Cindy Neumann, of Caro. Until just recently, Joyce could recall all the names and birthdays of all family members. She loved to send out cards to all she could, letting them know that she was thinking about them.
Joyce is survived by her loving sons, Ron (Carmen) Barrons of Marlette, Kevin (Amy) Barrons of Grand Rapids, Thomas Barrons of Caro; grandchildren, Joshua (Laura) Barrons of Haslett, Jordan Barrons of Battle Creek, Kyle (Amelia) of Woodbury, MN, Amanda (Eric) Brinkmann of St. Charles, IL, Casey (Devon) of Houston, TX, Vanessa (Bryan) Doody of Marquette; great-grandchildren, Brenna and her sister soon to arrive of Haslett, Caroline and Grace Barrons of Woodbury, MN, Connor and Logan Brinkmann of St. Charles, IL, Henry and Orson Blair of Houston, TX; brother, Robert Wilmot of Mayville; along with nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Hazel (Laidlaw) Wilmot; father, Forest Wilmot; sisters, Donna Everett, Winifred Boyne, Pearl Allen, Shirley Powell; brother; Wallace Wilmot, and very special and dear friend, Emerson Smith.
In keeping with Joyce’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Dr. William Sanders officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Watrousville United Methodist Church. The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Collon Funeral Home of Caro. Friends may share memories, thoughts and prayers online at www.RansfordCollon.com.
