Joyce Emmons

Joyce Emmons, 95, longtime Manteno resident, peacefully passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024. She was born on September 10, 1928 in Imperial Heights MI to the late Adolph and Ruth (Symons) Holstein. She married Jack Emmons on August 20, 1947. Joyce was a teacher, with a career spanning almost 6 decades. She began as an English teacher, and then became credentialed in Special Education, which she taught for many years. She provided excellent support to hundreds of children over her career. When she retired at 80 years old, she continued to tutor children who needed additional support. On the occasion of her 90th birthday Joyce reflected on her experiences in teaching, noting: “In the schools, there are lots of children who get left behind because they have problems that haven’t been recognized yet. With teaching and tutoring, I love seeing the progress the students make. Tutoring makes me feel like I still have a purpose in life.” There was never a limit to her interest in helping learners young and old. Many of her students returned to her for additional support when they were in college, and sometimes beyond. “I wish I could help them all,” Joyce said. “I’ll just keep offering — that’s all I can do.” It was that spirit of generosity to her students and desire to help them that was a driving force throughout her life. Surviving are her two daughters, Cheryl Emmons of Mt. Vernon IL; Karen Emmons of Newtonville MA; her son David of Fon du Lac WI; her grandson Max Posner; and two nieces. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Adolph and Ruth Holstein, sister Joan Prin, and husband Jack Emmons. A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held at Brown-Jensen Funeral Home in Manteno on Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 3 - 5 pm with a service at 4:15 pm. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery in Ishpeming MI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joyce’s name to benefit the ALIVE Literacy Program, at the Kankakee Community College Foundation. www.Foundation.kcc.edu/give/form/general