Joyce Lillian Bierling

Lillian Joyce Bierling, known to all as Joyce, finished her life’s journey on Thursday, May 2, 2024. She leapt into Glory surrounded by her adoring husband and children and now gazes upon her Savior face to face.

To those who have known her, Joyce was a treasure. She exuded a genuine and generous love which flowed like a spring river, always interested in those she encountered and delighting in the interaction. She possessed a thoughtful, penetrating discernment, woven with humble wisdom gleaned from 83 years of life. She was always ready for fun and games, faithfully teaching future generations how to play cards correctly with a smile and the familiar playful line, “They would shoot you in Vegas for that.” She was renowned by her family and friends as a tireless shopper and a lover of flowers, birds, laughter, and a stylish outfit. She lived life in full embrace of her family and friends – both new and old.

Joyce’s journey began in the small town of Colton, South Dakota. When of age, she ventured off to Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She met her husband to be, married and settled nearby in Hudsonville, Michigan, where she raised her family. After a time, she migrated south to Florida and experienced life in Palm Coast, Tallahassee, Crawfordville and, lastly, Ocala. While she lived in Florida she took on the challenges of leading a large women’s fellowship group and managing a small business. As a lifelong believer she worshipped within many church families along her journey, predominately the Christian Reformed Church in Colton, SD, Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church in Hudsonville, MI, and Wildwood Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee, FL.

Joyce leaves behind her husband Frank, embracing 61 years of marriage, traveling life together. Frank remained at her side until the last breath, holding her hand, whispering in her ear. Her four children, Amy (Peter) Mantel, Pat (Dave) VanderLaan, Shelley (Dale) Nieuwbeerta and Tod (Angie) Bierling, all poured out their hearts with her in the last days, laughing, weeping, singing, psalming, chatting and praying. It was the sweetest of times. Her loving grandchildren Anna (Justin) Clavier, Michaele (Dylan) Lynch, Victoria (Jake) Altom, Johanna (Michael) Moran, Eliakim, Nathaniel, Jaclyn, Tara, Katie (David) Troxell, Andrew, and Matthew, all bid farewell to their grandmother with many tears and words of love, thankfulness and adoration. Her young great grandchildren Rosie, Theodore, Titus, Georgiana, and Eleanor all bounce around unaware but will learn more of their great grandmother in the days ahead and her impact in their own lives.

Joyce leaves behind her beloved sister Mary (Rich) Fedders, with whom she’s held a constant decades-long conversation, with only brief pauses for breath. Her precious sister Julia (Elmer) Burgers, brother Alfred (Georgina) Koopman, brother Ted (Diane) Koopman, mother Marie Koopman and father Theodore Koopman have all passed before and paved the way to our heavenly promise.

Joyce leaves behind many grieving friends.

We celebrate Joyce. We celebrate God’s generous love, faithfulness and mercy to Joyce, and to us. Blessed be God.

A time of celebration will be held at Wildwood Presbyterian Church in Tallahasse, FL. Please contact the family for details.

Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Bierling Family.