Joy Linell Martin

Joy Linell Martin, 73, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

Her life began on March 12, 1952, in Niles, Michigan, a native of Cassopolis, Michigan, the fourth of four children born to George and Margaret Cooper.

Joy lived a life marked by patience, kindness, and love. She enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and family and had a deep appreciation for life’s simple joys. She loved all things Hallmark—especially the movies—along with music, visiting friends, reading scripture, and flying through a good book. Joy also loved exploring local gardens and could never resist good seafood or some dark chocolate. 

She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her generous heart, and the way she made everyone around her feel cared for and seen.

Joy will be greatly missed by her daughter, Beth (BJ) George of Wyoming, Michigan; her stepson, Tom (Rachel) Martin of Fort Wayne, Indiana; grandchildren Akuach, Liam, Simon, and Oliver George, and Grace, Jacob, and Jack Martin; her sister Nancy Brown of Brownsville, Vermont; her brother Ted (Kandy) Cooper of Dowagiac, Michigan; nephew Josh (Shannon) Cooper of Cedar Springs, Michigan, and their children Mia and Gage; and niece Christine (Peter) Reiter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Margaret Cooper, and her brother Jerry Cooper.

Family and friends will gather Saturday, December 6, 2025 for a service at 12 Noon in Pleasant View Church of Christ, 60550 Crooked Creek Road (corner of M 60) in Cassopolis, Michigan.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Joy be made to Honor Flight Network, 175 South Tuttle Road, Springfield, Ohio 45505 (honorflight.org), a reflection of her deep and heartfelt love for those who have sacrificed so much for their country.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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