Joyce Gilliam

GILLIAM, Joyce - age 75 of Swartz Creek, passed away August 15, 2025. A memorial service will be held 1 PM Monday, August 18, 2025, at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, MI 48473. The family will receive friends from 11 AM - 1 PM Monday at the funeral home. Joyce was born April 11, 1950, in Paragould, AR, the daughter of Lyman and Bessie (Norman) Wilburn. Joyce enjoyed spending time outdoors with her partner, Jerry-watching wildlife, appreciating nature, and working on word search puzzles. A devoted Detroit Tigers fan, she also worked in various retail stores over the years. Above all, her greatest joy and priority in life was her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Surviving are: significant other, Jerry Howart; her daughters, Nanette (Doug) Beck and Joette Carpenter; Jerry's kids, Michael (Kristie) Howart and Jeremy (Christina) Howart; grandchildren, Joshua Beck, Ashlyn Beck, Joseph (Lauren) Carpenter, Matthew Carpenter, Averie, Cohen, Makenneh and Sebastian Howart; great-grandchildren, Bentley, Veda and Cowin; siblings, Nadine (Dave) Roper, Jeanette Beck, and Lyman Wilburn. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyman and Bessie Wilburn; and two sisters, Shirley Spencer and Janice Olsen. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.