Erma "Joann" Whiting

Erma Joann Whiting (Joann) went home to be with her Savior on July 15, 2025 at the age of 97. She was born September 8, 1927 to the late William and Opal Alexander in Elwood, Indiana. She lived in Carthage, Indiana until 1939 when the family moved to Battle Creek. She graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1945. Joann was married to Melvin Whiting September 3, 1944. Joann worked at the Banquet Café, was a floral designer for Swonks Greenhouse and Greensmith Florist and in maintenance at the Y Center. She is a member of the Battle Creek Baptist Temple. She also was a member of the Battle Creek Bow Hunters Club, the Battle Creek Balloon Club, and the Unofficial Cheering Squad at balloon events for 25 years. Joann loved balloons, flowers, gardening, garage sales and crafting. She built playhouses for her children and grandchildren. She was a true artist. In World War II she drew pictures on the envelopes for the letters she sent to wounded service men. She continued the envelope pictures on everyone’s cards including the balloon pilots every Christmas. Joann sewed clothes for her collection of over 1000 dolls. She also sewed 67 outfits for her Sugar Bear teddy bear gifted to her from the Post Balloon Club. Joann is survived by her children Edward (Carol) Whiting of Battle Creek, Linda (Russ) Burt of Battle Creek, Brenda Sharkey of Bridgeport, Ronda (Rick) Saldana of Concord, daughter-in-law Ruth Whiting of Battle Creek, 71 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren ,many nieces and nephews and her good friend Sandy Rogers. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son Martin Whiting, her brothers Jack Alexander, Jim Alexander, grandson Jeremy Hill, and great great grandson Everett Koontz. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Funeral service scheduled for 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at Battle Creek Baptist Temple, 3186 Michigan Ave W., Battle Creek with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Lyle Dye and Rev. Ed Whiting officiating. Interment to follow the service at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Erma’s memory to Battle Creek Baptist Temple. Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org