Joseph Demyers (Lansing)

Joseph DeMyers was fondly referred to by his mother as the “Business Man”, and those who knew him understood why. Joseph was well known in the Lansing area for his stylish flair and the unique clothing and other items he acquired from Chicago and sold. Joseph was truly a ‘Jack-of-all Trades’. Aside from his career of service at General Motors, he also sold clothing, ran and operated an exterminating business, and owned a Disc Jockey service where he was frequently engaged for weddings and birthday parties, just to name a few.

Joseph was very compassionate towards his fellow man. He took great pleasure in visiting the sick, insomuch that his late mother, Pastor Zadie L. Tyner, dubbed him “Missionary Joe”. This name stuck with him for many years in the family. This compassion also carried over as he became more confined to home. He would often check on the well-being of his neighbors while he resided at the Ivan Woods Senior Apartment complex.

A world-class pool player, a few of Joseph’s favorite pastimes as his pace slowed down became eating, watching his favorite judge shows, sports, and at night while resting in bed, watching Animal Planet.

Joseph was born on December 21, 1928 in Wesson, Mississippi and raised by his loving parents, Curtis DeMyers Sr. and Zadie Lou DeMyers Tyner, whom are both deceased. Joseph accepted Christ as his personal savior at an early age and continued his relationship with the Lord for the rest of his life. He completed his early education in Wesson, Mississippi, and attended Alexander High School in Brookhaven, Mississippi.

Joseph was very proud of his service in the United States Army and the fact that he served during the Korean War (1950-1953). During his tour-of-duty, he traveled extensively throughout Europe, including Paris, France. After honorable completion of his military service, Joseph moved back to Lansing, Michigan and began working at the Fisher Body Division of General Motors, where he was employed until he retired after thirty years of service.

In 1958, Joseph married Velma D. Holloway DeMyers, and this union was blessed with three children, two girls, Anita Michelle and Alesia Jo, and a boy, Marcus Rico. The family fondly remembers family road trips during the summer and the Christmas holidays to Mississippi to visit family. Joseph was very proud of his children, and they loved and adored him. His primary caregiver in the final decade of life was his daughter Alesia Glenn, along with two very special live-in caregivers; his son Marcus DeMyers and friend, Terrance Jackson. In addition, he had a host of daytime caregivers throughout his ailing years.

He leaves to cherish his memory his three children, Anita M. DeMyers, Atlanta, Georgia, Alesia (Reginald) Glenn, Taylor, Michigan, Marcus Rico DeMyers, Lansing, Michigan; eleven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon Kay DeMyers; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.