Joan Palmer
July 18th, 1931 - April 12th, 2026
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Joan's Obituary
Joan (Joann) Jowett Palmer passed to her eternal home with her Heavenly Father on April 12, 2026. She was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on July 18,1931 to Arthur and Nina (Spencer) Jowett. She spent her childhood in Eaton Rapids, graduating from high school in 1949 then joined her future husband, Robert Palmer, at the University of Michigan. Joann and Bob were married on December 10, 1949. They were blessed with 65 years of marriage until his death in September 2015.
Joann was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, loving wife, mother, Nana and Great-Nana. She was an amazing prayer warrior, encourager and avid listener. She loved and served others with joyful hospitality and steadfast faithfulness. She was a godly role model to her family and friends - demonstrating the way to live with joy regardless of circumstances. Due to Bob’s job opportunities, Bob and Joann moved several times in the first 17 years of marriage, living in 8 different homes in 4 states. During this time, Joann provided immense stability to their growing family and developed many rich, lifelong friendships.
After moving to St. Joseph, Michigan in 1966, Joann had the opportunity to become an elementary school librarian, where she helped many children develop a love for reading. Joann and Bob moved to Harbor Springs, Michigan in 1992 and continued with their practice of getting involved in their church and community. Joann loved being an active member at Trinity Missionary Church. She especially enjoyed the Women’s Bible Studies and baking cookies for Vacation Bible School.
Joann moved to Independence Village of Petoskey in 2016. There she continued to make sweet friendships and enjoyed helping newcomers get acclimated to the residence. In November, Joann moved to Memory Care at Woodland Terrance in St. Joseph, Michigan to be close to her daughter, Nancy. Nancy was a devoted caregiver to Mom and our family is very grateful to her.
Surviving Joann are her children Jayne (Steve) Owen, Nancy (Lonnie) Atherton, Mark Robert Palmer, Jill (Bob) Ball and Scott Jowett Palmer; grandchildren Nathan (Karen) Owen, Sarah (David) Hoffner, Travis (Dona) Kunkel, Carson Ball (Celia), Max Ball (Kimmie); great grandchildren Mackenzie, Cooper and Bailey Owen, Owen, Josiah and Lucy Hoffner; Neo Palmer, Madeline Lopez and great great granddaughter Arianna Lopez, as well as, nieces and nephews. Grandson Blade Scott Palmer preceded Joann’s passing.
The family wishes to thank friends of Trinity Missionary Church in Petoskey, the staff and friends at Independence Village of Petoskey and staff at Woodland Terrance in St. Joseph for their loving care of Joann.
The family plans to honor Joann with a celebration of her life in late Summer of this year.
Joann was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, loving wife, mother, Nana and Great-Nana. She was an amazing prayer warrior, encourager and avid listener. She loved and served others with joyful hospitality and steadfast faithfulness. She was a godly role model to her family and friends - demonstrating the way to live with joy regardless of circumstances. Due to Bob’s job opportunities, Bob and Joann moved several times in the first 17 years of marriage, living in 8 different homes in 4 states. During this time, Joann provided immense stability to their growing family and developed many rich, lifelong friendships.
After moving to St. Joseph, Michigan in 1966, Joann had the opportunity to become an elementary school librarian, where she helped many children develop a love for reading. Joann and Bob moved to Harbor Springs, Michigan in 1992 and continued with their practice of getting involved in their church and community. Joann loved being an active member at Trinity Missionary Church. She especially enjoyed the Women’s Bible Studies and baking cookies for Vacation Bible School.
Joann moved to Independence Village of Petoskey in 2016. There she continued to make sweet friendships and enjoyed helping newcomers get acclimated to the residence. In November, Joann moved to Memory Care at Woodland Terrance in St. Joseph, Michigan to be close to her daughter, Nancy. Nancy was a devoted caregiver to Mom and our family is very grateful to her.
Surviving Joann are her children Jayne (Steve) Owen, Nancy (Lonnie) Atherton, Mark Robert Palmer, Jill (Bob) Ball and Scott Jowett Palmer; grandchildren Nathan (Karen) Owen, Sarah (David) Hoffner, Travis (Dona) Kunkel, Carson Ball (Celia), Max Ball (Kimmie); great grandchildren Mackenzie, Cooper and Bailey Owen, Owen, Josiah and Lucy Hoffner; Neo Palmer, Madeline Lopez and great great granddaughter Arianna Lopez, as well as, nieces and nephews. Grandson Blade Scott Palmer preceded Joann’s passing.
The family wishes to thank friends of Trinity Missionary Church in Petoskey, the staff and friends at Independence Village of Petoskey and staff at Woodland Terrance in St. Joseph for their loving care of Joann.
The family plans to honor Joann with a celebration of her life in late Summer of this year.
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