Joyce Ellen Cords

November 6, 1942 - September 12, 2019

Joyce Ellen Cords, a kind and humble woman who would give the shirt off her back to help others, died peacefully September 12, 2019. Joyce, 76, of Charlotte was born November 6, 1942 in Lansing to Carl and Helen (Gawala) Sevenski. She married Larry Cords in March of 1971, and proudly earned her High School Diploma from Olivet High School in 1979. Joyce worked in several different factories over the years, the longest being at Eaton Stamping. A very giving and kind woman in so many ways, Joyce loved of all kinds of animals including cats and dogs, as well as feeding many birds and even a majestic and very tame deer that would come close so she could nearly feed it out of her hand. Her children fondly remember that she would often go without something so she could help others that she knew were in need. Elvis music was often playing in the Cords household, as she was a huge Elvis fan. She also enjoyed watching soap operas, with her favorites being “The Young and the Restless” and “Guiding Light.” In recent years she greatly enjoyed trips to the casino with her son, Tim, where she would spend hours playing the penny slot machine. Tim’s favorite story was her coining the phrase “St. Demarco’s Day,” a story that he loves to share. Joyce is survived by her husband, Larry Cords; four sons, Steve (Julie) Tobias, Scott (Lynn) Tobias, Timothy Tobias, Larry (Courtney) Cords; sister, Sandra Eldred; brother, Carl Sevenski; sister-in-laws, Sandra Sevenski, Dolores Sevenski; and brother-in-law Arthur Montgomery. She was preceded in death by her sister, Carlyne Montgomery; brothers, Richard and Michael John Sevenski; father, Carl Sevenski; mother, Helen Sevenski; brother-in-law, Lyle Eldred; and nephew, Mark Montgomery. Friends are encouraged to support Joyce’s family at visitation and affirmation services. Visitation is Friday, September 20, 2019, 3-6:00 PM at Pray Funeral Home, followed by a Family Affirmation Service at 6:00 PM. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Joyce on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.