On October 27, 2022, Joyce Eileen Sheldon passed away while surrounded by her loved ones. She has found comfort with the Lord along with those that have preceded her in death: her husband, Dean Dwayne Sheldon; parents Everett Ellsworth and Doris (Graham) Leighton; son, Don Everett Sheldon; grandson, Cody Everett Sheldon and sister, Joan Curtis. Joyce was a Valentines baby, born on February 14, 1937 to Everett and Doris Leighton. Joyce was raised in Otsego, MI with her two sisters Joanie and Jan. She loved riding horses. In high school she reigned as Prom Queen and competed and was crowned Miss Otsego! In later years in Foley, AL, she was prom queen at the Senior Center Prom. Joyce married her high school sweetheart, Dean Sheldon, and they celebrated 60 years before Dean passed away. When Joyce entered the work force her first employer was Hardings Market, then Menasha Corporation and lastly she worked for the State of Michigan MIOSHA Division retiring in 1995. After retirement they moved south turning their vacation home on Perdido Bay in Lillian, AL into their permanent home until finally residing in Foley, AL. They were active with the Elks Clubs in Michigan and Alabama. Dean and Joyce made friends where ever they settled. Joyce had met Patty, a 4 year old little girl, in the Big Brother Big Sister program 46 years ago and that girl was with us when mom passed away. They had a bond that forged on despite the miles between them and remained close all of those years. The Howrigon’s were another special bunch. Clara and Joyce were the true camp directors and Jack and Dean followed. They planned pool parties, canoeing, camping, a riverboat trip on the Cumberland River, vacations to Mexico, and many great family gatherings. There are just too many stories to share about this beautiful woman. Joyce will be remembered for her Love of the Lord, her heart of gold, her positivity, her hospitality and caring ways, that unforgettable laugh and smile; but most of all, because of the love she had for her family and friends. Alzheimer’s made her last year very challenging but she could not have been loved more. Surviving are her son, Bryon (Kim) Sheldon, Killen, AL; grandsons, Jacob Sheldon, Foley, AL and Jason Sheldon, Columbia, KY; great granddaughters, Kiylee and Kodi Sheldon, Highland Home, AL; sister, Jan Raimondo, Wyoming, MI; daughter-in-law, Sadie Sheldon, Honoraville, AL; and BBBS little sister, Patty (Randy) Graham, Sebewaing, MI. We want to thank everyone at Green Oaks Inn for the wonderful care they gave mom while she was with them. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Green Oaks Inn, Attn: Crystal, 140 Pepper Lane, Florence, AL 35633. Per Mom’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Greenhill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
