Joann (French) King

JoAnn (French) King, 93, formerly of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully at Borgess Place in Kalamazoo on Sunday, November 13, 2022.

JoAnn was born February 13, 1929 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Leslie D. and Mamie R. (Steve) French. Her family returned to Michigan when she was an infant and JoAnn mainly resided in the Battle Creek area throughout the remainder of her life. JoAnn attended public schools in Battle Creek, graduating from Battle Creek Central High School with the class of 1947. JoAnn was employed as a cook for Pennfield Schools, retiring in 1983 after many years in food service. She previously worked at the Kellogg Company and Michigan Bell Telephone Company after completing high school.

She married Robert King on May 8, 1949. They had two children, Jane and James. She served as a leader for youth activities and volunteer at area hospitals and medical facilities. In retirement enjoyed volunteering at area hospitals and medical facilities, making various crafts that she sold at local shows, attending antique shows and flea markets, and visiting family and friends.

JoAnn began as a Red Cross volunteer during WWII and continued in Battle Creek area hospitals for more than 30 years. She volunteered various times at Calhoun County Medical Care Facility and Marshall Manor. Her volunteer activities also included youth activities leader, including Blue Birds, Cub Scouts, and 4-H. She helped organize reunions for Verona School and Battle Creek Central High School Class of 1947. JoAnn was a former member of Burnham Brook Community Center, now the Kool Family Community Center and the Battle Creek Pony Association. JoAnn will be remembered for her commitment to community and her love of family.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. King on August 2, 2017. Surviving are her daughter, Jane King of Kalamazoo; son, James (Barbara) King of Fort Collins, Colorado; grandsons, Alex Edl of Atlanta, Georgia, and Justin Edl, of Fort Collins, Colorado; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. In addition to her husband, JoAnn was also preceded in death by her parents Leslie D. and Mamie R. (Steve) French; brothers, Dale L. French and Robert E. French; nieces, Dale French and Christine Thunder and a nephew William French.

Friends will be received 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, 105 Capital Avenue N.E., Battle Creek, MI 49017. A graveside service to celebrate JoAnn's life will be officiated by Beverly Kelley 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall, Michigan, where JoAnn will be laid to rest next to her husband, Bob.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Red Cross, 111 E Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49017, or Heartland Hospice, 8075 Creekside Drive # 120, Portage, MI 49024 or a charity of one's choice.

Personal messages for JoAnn's family may be placed above in the Memory Book at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.