Joyce Friend

Joyce (Broersma) Friend, age 86, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 23, 2023. Joyce was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be lovingly remembered for her faith, hospitality, and gentle presence. Born on August 26, 1936, in Ruthton, MN, Joyce was the daughter of Lawrence and Grace Broersma. In 1938, the family moved across the country to Zillah, WA, before settling in Lynden, WA, in 1941. Joyce caught the attention of Clarence Friend and they were married on August 14, 1959. Eventually, they made their home on a farm in Zillah, where they raised five children and welcomed several foster children. One of the variety of crops raised on the farm was the gladiolas, whose flowers were distributed and enjoyed throughout the state. Joyce was an active member of Zillah Faith Community Church, where she served in a variety of roles. She also enjoyed volunteering her time with Sunnyside Christian Thrift Store and the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (World Renew). Joyce was a faithful servant, blessing those whom God brought into her life through her generosity and caring nature. She opened her home to many visitors for meals or coffee time. She found great joy in gardening and spent countless hours canning and freezing fruits and vegetables to share with her family. She especially cherished caring for and spending time with her children and grandchildren - sewing clothes, cooking meals, playing games, and creating many special memories. Above all, she had the assurance of salvation through the saving blood of her Lord Jesus Christ and shared her faith through word and deed. Joyce is preceded in death by her devoted husband of 54 years, Clarence, her daughter, Susan, her parents, Lawrence and Grace, and her siblings Lloyd, Marv, Marge, Garrett, Bob, Ted, and Ben. She leaves behind her five children: Duane (Cheryl) Friend of Zillah, WA; Timothy (Deborah) Friend of Grandville, MI; Terry (Jill) Friend of Sioux Center, IA; Sherry (Daniel) Teerman of Highland Village, TX; and Bonnie Mejeur of Grand Rapids, MI; fifteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She will also be missed by her surviving siblings, Elsie, Denny, Dorothy, and Ken, as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews and dear friends. The family wishes to express special thanks to the staff at Highgate Senior Living in Yakima, WA for their loving and compassionate care for many years. In honor of Joyce in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sunnyside Christian School or Faith Community Church. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 31st at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Community Church in Zillah with interment at 10:00 a.m. at the Zillah Cemetery. There will be visitation with the family on Tuesday, May 30th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Zillah. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joyce Friend, please visit our flower store.