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Obituary
Joy Ellen Ridener, born on April 22, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, passed away on May 9, 2026, in Canton, Michigan, at the age of 90.
Joy dedicated her life to education and nurturing the minds of young people, having served as a teacher for the Detroit Public Schools for an admirable 30 years. Her commitment to education was a cornerstone of her life, and she was deeply passionate about making a difference in the lives of her students.
Outside of her career, Joy was a devoted member of The Eastern Star and proudly held the position of Worthy Matron of Flat Rock from 1999 to 2000. Her leadership and dedication extended to her service as a Grand Guardian for Job’s Daughters, where she inspired and guided many young women.
Joy cherished her time traveling to her beloved cottage on Secord Lake, where she found peace and joy in the beauty of nature. Her love for working with youth and her community is remembered and appreciated by all who knew her. Joy also was a fan of a game of chance in her spare time.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Emmit, and her parents, James and Martha Summerson.
Joy is survived by her loving children, Lisa Peck and James (Katie) Ridener, who carry forward her legacy of love and commitment. Her dear grandchildren, Martha (John) Andras, Alyssa Burroughs, Ellen Peck, and Alexis (Ben) Bosker, along with her cherished great-grandchildren, Hunter and Colton Burroughs, will continue to cherish her memory and the impact she had on their lives.
Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects during the visitation on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A service celebrating Joy’s life will be held at 5:30 PM at Michigan Memorial Funeral Home.
Cremation will take place at "The Witness Crematory," located inside Michigan Memorial Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow in Michigan Memorial Park.
Joy Ellen Ridener will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit and influence will live on through the many lives she touched.
