Joyce Saylor, age 76 of Leonidas, died Wednesday July 2, 2014 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. She was born in Chicago on May 14, 1938 the daughter of Losier R. and Bertha G. (Latimer) Sears. She was married to Albert Saylor on Feb. 7, 1970 in Three Rivers and has resided in Leonidas since their marriage. Joyce worked for many years at Colon Elementary School where she was an aide in the classroom, playground, and lunch room. When she wasn't working she enjoyed being a Grandma, and spending time with her family.

Joyce is survived by four children, Brandon Saylor of Mendon, Dwayne (Amy) Saylor of Stomping Ground, KY, Russell (Veda) Smith of Mendon, and Linda (Matthew) Tinman of Sturgis; ten grandchildren, Whitney Smith, Jennifer (Savoia) Russell, Jeremy Savoia, Justin Savoia, Brian Saylor, James Saylor, Trevor Saylor, Corey Saylor, Emily Saylor, and Jhenna Puckett; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Sears of Mendon and Michael (Kim) Sears of Vicksburg; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Albert in 2012; three brothers, Russell, Donald, and James Sears; and by a sister, Margie Lee Sears.

The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday July 5, 2014 at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with David Farrell officiating. Burial will follow in Leonidas Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to either the American Heart Association, or to the Leonidas 4-H. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com