Joyce Evelyn Nelson

Nelson, Joyce Evelyn - age 88 of Fenton, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, August 20, 2026 at the Sharp Funeral Homes - Fenton Chapel (1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton, Michigan 48430) with Pastor Eugene Blankenship officiating. The service will also be live streamed and can be viewed via the link at the base of Joyce's obituary at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com. Committal prayers and interment will be held at 2:30 PM Thursday at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, Michigan. Visitation will be from 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at the Sharp Funeral Homes - Fenton Chapel and on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. For Those desiring, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Joyce to the Fenton Church of God (14569 North Road, Fenton, Michigan 48430).

Joyce Evelyn Nelson was a woman whose life was defined by her unwavering faith, deep love for her family, and remarkable strength and resilience. Through life's joys and challenges, she remained steadfast in her devotion to God and her family, serving as a source of love, encouragement, and support to generations of those who knew her. Joyce was born on September 28, 1937, in Southfield, Michigan, to the late Marvin Logan and Elsie Elizabeth Wilson. She attended Wilson Elementary School, Taft Junior High School, and Lincoln High School. In 1952, she married the love of her life, Duane L. Nelson, in Ferndale, Michigan. Together they built a family rooted in faith, love, and perseverance. Joyce and Duane enjoyed attending Gospel concerts in Tennessee and were faithful members of the Fenton Church of God. Her faith was the foundation of her life and guided her through every season, giving her the strength to face hardship with grace and gratitude. She is survived by her children, Ken (Lyne) Nelson of South Lyon, Alan (Cheryl) Nelson of Fenton, Marie Smith of Roseville, and Carol (Bill) Gray of Otisville. She was a proud grandmother to Chuck Nelson, Duane Nelson, Jeff Nelson, Lisa Oliver, Jennifer Vaillancourt, Ken Nelson Jr., David Smith Jr., Christopher Smith, Ashley Gray, Randy Nelson, and Billy Gray; and a cherished great-grandmother to 25 great-grandchildren and 8 great-greatgrandchildren. Joyce is also survived by her siblings, Marvin Wilson Jr. of Cleveland, Tennessee; Betty Isbell of Cleveland, Tennessee; Sharon Nigro of Hartland; and Linda Gauer of Brighton, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane Nelson; her son, Leonard Nelson; and her daughters, Judy Nelson, Colleen McKeon, and Diane Nelson. Though her family grieves her passing, they take comfort in knowing that her legacy of faith, strength, resilience, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the hearts and lives of all who were blessed to know her. Her greatest joy was her family, and her greatest testimony was a life faithfully lived.

Online condolences and tributes may be shared on Joyce's obituary page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com