Joyce Neuben

On Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Christ, our Lord and Saviour, took our loving mother, Joyce Mae Neuben, by the hand and walked her home to Glory. It was at that moment, her work here as one of Gods earthly Angels was done. She was born May 8, 1937 in Opelousas, Louisiana to Antoine and Albertha Brown-Revette.
In her younger years, mom worked a number of jobs to support her family. Her absolute favorite was working at Paxsons Gas Station with her best-friend and sister, Toni Bond, of Saginaw. When she wasnt taking up a cause to fight for others in Daniels Heights, or canvassing for the Democratic Party, cooking to feed the neighborhood, she loved Bible study, watching sports and listening to Michael Jackson.
A former member of Zion Missionary Baptist Church and with Gods grace, my mother was a hardworking woman with an impeccable work ethic. Joyce was a dedicated member of Local UAW 699 and retired from Delphi (formerly Saginaw Steering Gear) after 30 years where she was the first African-American woman certified in Skilled Trades. Committed to the Teamsters Union and an advocate for union issues, she resigned her opportunity to work side-by-side with her co-workers. Prior to Delphi, for years mom drove city bus for Saginaw Transit where she honed her driving skills and developed her need for speed and drag racing. No one was ever late for work taking her bus. Over weekends she enjoyed the occasional drag race in a 1970 Chevy Chevelle to become the first African-American woman to race Powder Puff Trials at Saginaw Tri-City Drag Way.
She leaves to cherish her memory, four children, Henry L. Wilson, Jr., Saginaw, Michigan, Harold D. Revette-Wilson, Saginaw, Michigan, Ronda Tweedale, Rockford, Michigan, Alecia Neuben, San Diego, California; step-daughter, Phyllis Neuben, Grand Rapids; several grandchildren, Melony Harrison, Briana Wilson, Jasmine Wilson, Tierra Wilson, Cameron Sullivan, Juron Rodgers, Harold Wilson, Jr., Ashley Neuben, Amanda McNair, Chase Tweedale; great-granddaughter, Arria Faith Loveless; she leaves many siblings, Hebert (B.J.) Batiste, Houston, Texas, Hubert Batiste, Houston, Texas, Wilbert (Julia) Batiste of Texas, George Batiste, Compton, California, Antoine Revette, Jr., Opelousas, Louisiana, Shirley Revette, Opelousas, Louisiana, and Toni (Rev. William) Bond-Hicks, Saginaw, Michigan; many nieces including a special niece, Brenda Turner, and many nephews including Robert Turner, Michael Turner, Aaron Turner, Jr., Victor (Stella) Johnson, and sister-in-law, Barbara Neuben.
Joyce was preceded into Gods hands by her parents, Antoine Revette, Sr. and Albertha Brown-Revette, loving eldest brother Aaron (Lillie Mae) Turner Sr., brother, Walter Turner, and her only sister, Merlene (John) Evans.
Mom was known for her lively spirit, contagious smile, and her unconditional kindness and humanity. She served her Lord by giving unconditionally to be the most generous person one could ever meet. She had a quiet dignity about her; she didnt gossip or hate anyone. She gave of herself in every greeting and hug. There is a Swahili saying, You bring me to life when you say hello to me. That is the essence of who my mother was. Her greetings gave life to everyone that crossed her path. She leaves us with her legacy of pure joy, kindness and advocacy.
The family would like to express special thanks to Victor and Stella Johnson, Heartland Healthcare, Caretel Living, Brenda Palmer and Pamela Parks.
On behalf of our family, we ask that you continue our mothers legacy and pay it forward.