Joan Wilson (Wilson) Artlip

Joan Wilson Artlip, age 82 of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully after a 4-month illness. She was called home with family by her side on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. Joan was a strong-willed woman, who stood by her values and always wanted to provide the best life for her children. She spent many years caring for her mother Frances Manley, and her two daughters through the duration of her life. Joan knew your full potential, held high standards for everyone around her, and always encouraged you to live up to it but with a loving heart. Her beautiful blue eyes, and warm smile never left you wondering how loved you were.

Joan was born on August 22, 1937 in Mt Pleasant, MI and attended South High School. Not known to many, she was a talented, self-taught artist who kept most of her work to herself. The life-long friends she acquired while working at Knape and Vogt for 30 years, called her “Joanie.” After retirement in 2001, she continued adventures with her best friend and sister-in-law Mary Ann Wu. Many stories can be told about their escapades that included dancing and riding motorcycles together.

Joan was preceded in death by her mother Frances Manley, step-father Melvin Manley, brother Arthur Wilson Jr,  son Roger J. Artlip Jr, and daughter-in-law Anne Marie Artlip. She left behind her two daughters Theresa M. Woods and Alicia J. Huizinga (David), grandchildren Elizabeth M. Phillips, JoAnna M. Lamay (Michael), Kristina K. Woods, Charles M. Henry Jr (Katie), Sarah J. Foster, Richelle L. Johnson, and 5 great-grandchildren.

She looked forward to the place the Lord had prepared for her and knew that the Angels would guide and comfort her on the journey that fulfilled His promise.

The family wishes to thank the loving caregivers from Emmanuel Hospice, who made this transition more comfortable for Joan and her daughters.

In honor of Joan, find some way to pay it forward for someone in need. A gathering to celebrate her life will occur at a later date.

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