Joann Edwards, age 64 of Grand Rapids, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025. She was preceded in death by her mother, Joan Byerly-Petronis; parents-in-law, Kenneth and Mildred Edwards. Joann is survived by her loving husband, Gordon Edwards; children, Lynde (Mulphar Macean) Adrianse, Charles (Shana) Adrianse, Kirk (Dee) Edwards, Gretchen Edwards; grandchildren, Chloe, Taylor, Teague, Hadley, Brady, Jordan, Sam, Max, Olivia; great grandchildren, Nova Joann, Liriel; father, Anthony Petronis; sisters, Pamela (Mark) Hawley, Penny (Melvin) Iden; and nieces, Nycole, Cassidy, Courtney, and Kristie.
Joann and Gordon were married July 9, 1988, on Mackinac Island, Michigan. They lived in various places on the northeast side of Grand Rapids until they built a home near Forest Hills Avenue. In 1997 they built a home on the backwater of the Flat River, north of Lowell, Michigan. This was known as Camp Flathead by many of their grandchildren who enjoyed the pontoon boat rides, swimming, and camping in the yard.
When the first granddaughter was born Joann quickly informed everyone, she was too young to be Grandma and from that moment forward was, “JoJo”. All the grandchildren and great-grandchildren honored that title. JoJo always enjoyed supporting her grandkids at their various sporting activities; basketball, volleyball, soccer, and ultimate frisbee. JoJo’s number one passion was her grandkids. Her second was reading, which she always enjoyed.
In 2015, Joann and Gordon moved to Ada Township and built a house that Joann thought of as a Texas ranch house in appearance. She was attracted to the large back porch and the grandkid spaces inside. From there they traveled to many places in the United States and to Ireland.
Joann worked in accounting and administrative roles for various local companies and in the early 2000s worked for Keystone Community Church in an administrative role. After leaving Keystone around 2012 she formed Joann Edwards Consulting and had several local clients.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 11am-2pm on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Keystone Community Church, 655 Spaulding Ave. SE, Ada, Michigan 49301. No formal services will take place, rather a time for food and fellowship in Joann’s honor.
One Response
I met Jo at Keystone Community Church where I attended and volunteered weekly on Fridays. Upon meeting, we quickly discovered we were “birthday buddies” sharing the same birthday. For many years we texted each other on our special day.
I always enjoyed Jo’s smile, fun personality, and quick wit!