Reverend Joyce Johnston, 75, of Brown City, MI died Thursday, November 5, 2020 at McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital of Lapeer, MI. Joyce Ann Plassman was born August 5, 1945 in Deshler, OH. She was the daughter of the late Eldor and the late Marie (Loudon) Plassman. Joyce grew up in Deshler, OH. She was a graduate of Deshler High School, Class of 1963. Joyce continued her education at Capital University in Bexley, OH and earned her Bachelor of Science in Math and Education.
She taught in the Columbus, Ohio City Schools from 1967 – 1974. In 1976 Joyce became Vice President and a comptroller at Ohio State Bank in White Hall, OH until 1993. In 2000, Joyce attended Trinity Lutheran Seminary where she received her Master’s of Divinity. From 2000 until 2008, she was a pastor for Hope Lutheran Church in Marlette, MI and Trinity Lutheran Church in Brown City, MI. In 2008, Joyce became the pastor for Messiah Lutheran Church in Swartz Creek and King of Glory Lutheran Church in Flushing, MI before retiring in 2017. Joyce was an avid Ohio State fan.
She is survived by her son, Philip (Tammy) Johnston of Groveport, OH; her sister, Kay Northrop of Chillicothe, OH; her brother, Gerald Plassman of Newport News, VA; step-grandsons, Robert Hannahs and George Hannahs; and her nephews, Andrew Northrop, James (Matilda) Northrop, Joel Plassman and Jeff Plassman.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Eldor and Marie Plassman.
The funeral service was held Monday, November 9, 2020 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 200 N. Cedar St., Imlay City, MI. Reverend Alan Casillas, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and Reverend Donald Kreiss, Bishop of S.E. Michigan Synod of ELCA, officiated.
Arrangements were entrusted to Muir Brothers Funeral Home, 225 N. Main Street, Imlay City, MI.
Please be sure to sign the online register at muirbrothersfh.com to share condolences and memories with the Johnston Family.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions may direct them to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Imlay City or Lapeer County Concert Choir in Joyce Johnston’s memory.
