Joyce Effa

Joyce Effa, born in October 1929 in a farmhouse on the prairies of Saskatchewan, Canada on the wintery cold day, attended by two grandmothers, and she died on April 29, 2026 in St. Joseph, Michigan.
Joyce, named Laura Mildred Joyce, was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence Effa, her siblings, Leona, Gladys and Louis and her parents, Joseph and Elsie [Muth] Knoll.

Joyce met Lawrence Effa when she was 12 years old at a church conference in Saskatchewan, Canada where she grew up. She subsequently married Lawrence in 1952, boldly defying traditions of that time by selecting an ice blue wedding dress. She also pursued a career, becoming a school teacher in a time when roles for women were more traditionally focused only on the home. In the prairies of Saskatchewan, this meant driving the horse and buggy to various one room school houses where she not only taught all the grades concurrently, but also served as custodian, starting the day by building the fire in the stove to heat the little school.

In 1955, Joyce and her husband Lawrence loaded up their car with all their belongings, their young daughter Judith and left the life of farming and one room school teaching. They set out bravely for a new life in the United States and ended up settling in West Michigan. There they added two sons, Kevin and Joe to their family, raising three children.

Joyce, along with her husband Lawrence became citizens of the United States in 1961. She was very proud of her American citizenship but always cherished her Canadian heritage.
Joyce continued her college education to obtain her American Teaching certificate and eventually her Master’s Degree in Special Education in 1970. She worked for the St. Joseph School system in both Special Education and elementary education for 16+ years. She was active for many years in Napier Parkview Church where she and Lawrence were long time members. There she sang in the choir, was involved in the women’s ministry and served as a Sunday School teacher. She and Lawrence opened their home to missionaries on Home Assignment, to relatives and friends who needed a home for extended periods of time, as well as all the neighborhood children. In their last years they enjoyed their membership in the Washington Avenue Church of God.

Joyce was always a lover of travel both nationally and internationally. She and Lawrence saw many parts of the world over the years. Her favorite trip was the European river cruise they took for their 50th Anniversary. The most adventurous experience was being held at gunpoint at the Jordanian border for several hours. One of Joyce’s great joys was entertaining, whether for meals or overnight guests. Knitting and crocheting were additional activities that gave her pleasure and opportunities to serve others, particularly as she created many prayer shawls that were given to others in need.
Joyce’s foundation throughout her life was her strong faith in Jesus. She was an avid prayer warrior for many. Her favorite Bible verse was Proverbs 3: 5-6: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Remembering her are her daughter Judith with daughters India and Adrienne and Judith’s grandsons Gabriel and Kameron, Kevin and Pattie with children Nathan and Angela and their granddaughters Hazel, Norah and Margaret, and Joe and Kathy and sons Zachary[Hanna], Garrett[Heid] and Samuel[Summer]. Also remembering her are many extended family and friends in both the US and Canada.

Private Services & Burial will take place at Hickory Bluff Cemetery in Stevensville. Memorial donations in Joyce’s name may be made to Children of Promise. Arrangements are entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph. Those wishing to sign Joyce’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.