Joan M. Jones

Joan May “Joanie” Jones, 88 of Gaylord, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2020 at McReynolds Hall in Gaylord.

Born on April 9, 1931 in Oxford, MI, she was the daughter of Everett and Inez (Casey) Brokenshaw.

On July 2, 1949 Joan married Eugene “Gene” Jones in Lake Orion, MI where they lived for many years.  They lived briefly in Greenville before moving to Gaylord in 1977 to be near family.

Joan’s working career spanned many years as a bookkeeper in automobile dealerships downstate and in Gaylord.

She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother known to all as GG.  Her family was her love.  She was a social butterfly who loved to entertain and celebrate.  With a love for music and dance, you would find her breaking out in song or kicking up her heels with her husband, Gene.  They especially loved to polka.

Joan thrived on creativity.  With a talent for sewing, knitting, crocheting and crafts, she delighted in making things and giving them away.  She was an avid bingo player, often called a “Bingo Bunny” by her daughter.  She was always hopping from bingo hall to bingo hall.  She also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends or planning a casino trip with fellow seniors.  Volunteering was always a part of Joan’s life.  For many years she was a member of the Gaylord Lioness Club and she also volunteered for RSVP.  Closest and dearest to her heart was her work as a foster grandparent through NEMSCA.  Helping her little kindergarteners brought her joy.  She spoke of them often with love and remembered them well.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene, in 1982.  Surviving is her daughter, Deborah (Terry) Krol of Gaylord; grandsons, Jason (Jen) Krol of Gaylord and Jonathan Krol of Traverse City; great grandchildren, Averey, Peyton and Drew Krol; a brother, Glen (Lillian) Brokenshaw of Clarkston; and several nieces and nephews.  She was also preceded in death by a sister, Doris VanGilder and a brother, Hugh Brokenshaw.

A family graveside memorial service and interment will take place at Fairview Cemetery in Gaylord.  Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to McReynolds Hall.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to everyone at McReynolds Hall for the kindness and care given to GG.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com