Joyce Ann Shipman

Joyce Ann Shipman, age 73, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 19, 2026.

Joyce was born on February 18, 1953, to James Floyd Cunningham and Minnie Lorraine Rogers. She spent her early years in Pontiac, Michigan. After the loss of her mother at age 9, Joyce and her three sisters were raised by their Aunt Christine Glover in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Her care and devotion helped shape the strong, compassionate woman Joyce would become.

Joyce married her high school sweetheart, Lloyd Wayne Johnson. Together they welcomed two daughters, Lorri Christine and Kelley Lurlene, and made their home first in Ypsilanti and later in Tecumseh, Michigan. Joyce was a devoted wife and mother who took great pride in raising her daughters and creating a loving home for her family.

Later in life, Joyce worked as a nurse’s aide at Tecumseh Place Nursing Center, where her caring nature and servant’s heart were evident in the compassion she showed to others. Her kindness extended beyond people to the animals she loved so dearly. A lifelong animal advocate, Joyce dedicated countless hours to rescuing and caring for feral cats, helping to save the lives of more than 100 cats through trap-neuter-return efforts, rehoming, and personal care.

On September 26, 2015, Joyce married Larry William Shipman. Together, they enjoyed their retirement years traveling, making memories with loved ones, and sharing the hope and joy they found in their faith in Jesus Christ.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved sister, Bobbie Cunningham-Hecht; and her youngest sister, Terri Shorter.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Larry William Shipman; her daughters, Lorri (Jason) Melynchek and Kelley (Bret) Maynard; her grandsons, Zackary, Landon, Caden, and Jameson; her sister, Deborah (Fred) Baca; and many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Joyce will be remembered for her unwavering faith, resilience, and boundless love for her family, friends, and animals. She lived her life as a reflection of Christ’s love and grace, touching countless lives through her kindness and compassion. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort and peace in knowing that she is now healed, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her, and forever at home with her Savior.

In accordance with her wishes, a committal service will be at 2:30PM on Wednesday June 24, 2026, at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.

Arrangements are being provided by Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton. Those desiring may make contributions to Paws With A Cause. Online condolences may be posted on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.