Dorothy "Joann" Boyer

Dorothy “Joann” (Adams) Boyer, age 92, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025, in her loving home of 68 years, sanctuary to many, and surrounded by her loved ones. Born on November 7, 1933 in Kalamazoo County, Michigan and beloved daughter of Kenneth and Berniece Adams. Joann lived a full life serving her Lord and Savior.

Her family lived in Hastings, Michigan until they moved to Bellevue when she was 13 years old. When Joann was in 11th & 12th grade, she started her first job with the Whitehouse Ice Cream Company working on the weekends. Joann's siblings were always waiting at the door to see what kind of ice cream she would bring home after work.

Joann graduated from Bellevue High School in 1951. Her first job after graduation was a secretary at Union Steam Pump in Battle Creek. Shortly after graduation, Joann married Arthur “Art” Boyer on June 16, 1951 in the Bellevue Baptist Church and maintained a loving and supportive marriage of 54 wonderful years together until Art passed away on March 8, 2005. Together they raised three children, Susan, Karen and Douglas.

In September 1956, Joann started working at Kellogg’s Company and retired in 1991 after 35 years of continuous service. She was a proud member of the Kellogg 25 year club. As a member she spent time, traveling going places and enjoying her companions company. At first she was not going to join the club but she changed her mind when her dad convinced her to join. She was so glad that she listened to her father.

As a member of the Hope Church of the Nazarene for 67 years, Joann was a Sunday school teacher, board member, prayer chain member, and choir member.

Over the years Joann belonged to several bible study groups, sewing and ceramic groups, Y Center swim exercise and the Kellogg’s birthday group.

She was often found at home enjoying family fun with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren singing, dancing and playing card games like Rack-O, Old Maid, Chinese checkers but her favorite in the end was the game of SKIP-BO. You can be sure she is playing SKIP-BO with her heavenly family. Family vacation trips were always going south with the goal in mind to reach Florida. Each year was a little closer; the goal was finally made after all the kids left the nest.

Joann cherished her friendships, developing them at each stage of her life, with most of these lasting the remainder of her life. Joann's friendships encompassed all aspects of life, and each was special to her. From phone calls to video calls to joint family outings, to class reunions, to adventures near and far, to helping in times of sadness and difficulty, Joann was up for it all. She was known not just for enjoying her friendships but for being a good friend as well. She was the friend who would drive you to your chemo appointment and any time you needed a ride to church just as freely as she would join you for lunch. Joann knew that friendships take work to maintain and she was willing to put in the effort, thus got to reap the rewards.

Joann was the beloved daughter to Kenneth and Berniece (Chapman) Adams. She was the cherished sister to Shirley French, Charles “Chuck” (Nancy)Adams and Laura Diaz. Her family was her world and she would do anything for them. She leaves behind her daughters Susan “Susie” (Steve) Smith and Karen Boyer. Her beloved son, Douglas “Dougie” Boyer preceded her in death on August 21, 2025. Along with a big family of loving nephews, nieces, and cousins, Joann’s legacy continues through her grandchildren: Anthony (Amy) and Mike (Lana); Elizabeth (Nicholas) and Ryan (Esther); and Britney, Ashley (Erik), Jessica (Michael) and Brandon along with 15 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Berniece Adams; husband Art; son, Douglas; two sisters, Shirley and Laura; and two brothers, William and Chuck.

Joann, as she was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by her. We ask that you remember her not for the way her life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who loved her.

When we lose someone we love, we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind.

Love you always, until we meet again.

The family will receive friends 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m., Saturday December 6, 2025 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, Battle Creek where services to celebrate Joann's Life will begin at 1:00 p.m. A private family interment will be held at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Elara Caring Hospice, 4664 Campus Dr Suite 101A-B, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Joann may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.