Joan Marie (Keys) Lawrence
of Tecumseh, MI passed away on Monday, April 12, 2021. Joan was born in Detroit, MI on February 17, 1930 to Erma (Allport) and Roy Keys. When she was five, the family moved to Belleville, MI where she attended Belleville Public Schools. Joan was an accomplished singer and enjoyed singing in school theatre productions and dances, at weddings, and at her father’s Masonic Lodge. After graduating from Belleville High School in 1947, she attended Eastern Michigan University and earned a BA degree in education. While there she met her future husband, Jack Lawrence. They were married February 2, 1952 and raised their five daughters in Ypsilanti.
Joan worked as a substitute teacher, paraprofessional, and volunteer in the Ypsilanti Public Schools. She loved to play the organ and complete crossword puzzles. Joan was a great friend to many; both young and old. Joan and Jack enjoyed playing cards and traveling with their friends. After Jack’s retirement, the couple moved from Ypsilanti to Clinton and eventually to Tecumseh.
of Chelsea, Michigan, age 94, died Monday, May 3, 2021, at the Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born April 24, 1927, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Rosina and Earl Krapf.
of Springfield, MO, formerly of Manchester, MI & Stockbridge, MI. Age 94, died Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at her daughter’s home in Springfield, Missouri. She was born June 29, 1927 in Highland Park, MI, the daughter of John H. & Emma (Bilson) Close.