Joyce Mellish

Joyce Mellish answered Jesus’ call to “Come Home!” and walked into His loving arms. She is now standing at the throne, surrounded by those who went before her. Using her beautiful voice lifting praises to our God on High. Singing at the top of her lungs, proclaiming her love to the King of Kings.

Joyce was born to James Frederick and Beatrice Viola (Miller) Belleville. She was the older sister to her brother, Weldon. Being the daughter of a minister, she grew up in many towns and villages in Michigan and graduated from Lapeer High School on June 12, 1947. Mom attended Beulah Church of the Nazarene where her father was pastor.

While there, a neighbor, Mary Mellish, would always say to her, “just wait til my Junior lays eyes on you! He’s going to love you!” Mary was right! When John came home from the war, he went to Wednesday night prayer meeting and saw Joyce. During prayer, Joyce sneaked a peak at John, and he winked at her — thus the beginning of a beautiful love story. John William Mellish and Beatrice Joyce Belleville were married on June 25, 1948. They bought a 19 foot travel trailer and left for Owosso Bible College where John began his studies for the pastorate.

John and Joyce pastored seven congregations. They had five children: Sandra (Ron) Comfort, John Mark (Marsha), Tim (Nona Sue), Teri (Richard) Pouliot, and Debra (Doug) Pahl. Their grandchildren are Jarrod (Janelle) Comfort, Cari (Jeremy) Gomez, Steve Mellish, Tad (Shannon) Mellish, Shane (Janelle) Mellish, Kristen Crain, Brandon Crain, Lindsay Crain, Ryan (Michaella) Callahan, Jonathan (Amy) Mellish, Jamie (David) Graham, Vern Hazzard, Mike Hazzard, Nelson (Alana) Pouliot, and AnnaLisa (Josh) Surufka. Great-grandchildren include Tyler, Jacob, Bryce, Caleb, GraceAnne, Charleigh, Tanner, Amber, Stefanie, Mark, JT (John Talmadge) Jr., Maxwell, Payton, Bastion, Elliott, Judson, Ashlynn, Juniper, Lana, and Lillie. Great-great-grandchild is Maximus.

In keeping with Joyce's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, MI 48442. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of family, c/o Sandra Comfort, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, MI 48723.