Joyce Ann Vanderley

Joyce Ann (Compton) Vanderley, 67, of Interlochen, Michigan passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at her home. She was born on May 20, 1953 on the U.S. Army Base in Harvey, Illinois to the late Lester and Evelyn (Smith) Compton. Joyce was raised in Interlochen from the age of four and she graduated from Traverse City High School in 1971. Joyce married the love of her life, James Vanderley, on June 11, 1977. Over the last 43 years their love has been inspirational to others. They went everywhere together holding hands, and never left one another without a kiss and saying "love you, babe."

Joyce was a dedicated mom who stayed home with her girls as they grew up, and had a home-based daycare where she was a second mom to many others over the years. When her girls were grown, she enjoyed several years working for Munson Medical Center in the food service department.

Joyce enjoyed reading so much that she would get lost in her books, often reading several books a week. She was skilled with a needle and thread, blessing many family members and friends with gifts of breathtaking cross-stitch pictures and handmade quilts. She loved to make cookies with grandchildren, canning fruits and veggies, and she made incredible homemade pies. She was a strong but quiet spirit who endured a lot of discomfort in her life-time, dealing with chronic illness without complaint. She loved to play cards with family and friends, and no matter what game we played, she almost always won. She enjoyed volunteering in her church baby pantry a few times a month, and with her husband loved to give to those less fortunate. Joyce loved the Lord with all of her heart, and her family is comforted in knowing she is now pain free and in heaven with our Savior.

Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, James R. Vanderley, three daughters; Rebecca (Darryl) Wiggins, Jessica (Robert) Babcock and Evelyn (Dustin) Northrop. Also surviving are her grandchildren; Kennedy Haysmer, Joseph Haysmer, Elizabeth Haysmer, Debra Babcock, Jose' Babcock, Ezekiel Babcock, Lucas Babcock, and Nora Babcock. Joyce was also anxiously awaiting the arrival of baby girl Northrop, due to be born in just 3 weeks. Also surviving are two sisters, Sharon Baatz and Nancy (Joel) Peters, and a brother, Edwin (Mary) Compton. Joyce had many nieces, nephews, close friends, and a dedicated church family at West Bay Covenant Church in Traverse City who also loved her immensely.

Joyce was preceded in death by her two sisters, Carol Kelly and Judith Ann Compton.


A funeral service honoring Joyce will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, October 22, 2020 at West Bay Covenant Church, 12720 S. W. Bay Shore Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684. Pastor Kent Andersen will officiate. A luncheon will take place immediately after the service in the Church reception hall. A private burial will take place at Countryside Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to West Bay Covenant Church, where she was a faithful member for 36 years.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Joyce's family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.