Joyce Marie Heiden Wittman

Joyce Marie Heiden Wittman, 87, went to be with the Lord on August 5, 2025. She passed peacefully and was surrounded by her family.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Mildred (Roggerman) Heiden; siblings, Harold Heiden and infant brother.

She is survived by her loving husband, John (Jack) Wittman; children, Jeffrey Wittman (Karen), Dean Wittman (Alison), Jill Wittman Faul (Jimmy Todd Sr.); grandchildren, Ryan Wittman, Kristina Wittman (Rob), Jimmy Faul Jr., Michael Faul Sr. (Elizabeth), Tyler Wittman (Emma), Mia Wittman; great-grandchildren, Amara Wittman, Jadon Concha-Wittman, Delilah Wittman, Michael John (MJ) Faul Jr., Charolotte Wittman; siblings, Ronnie Heiden (Corliss), Ralph Heiden (Lynn), Kay Heiden Dushane (Bill), Gail Heiden Baker (John).

Joyce had many endearing nick names (Joycie Marie, Moo, Mama Bear, Grandma, Nana, Lala) and was very good at giving all her loved ones nick names too. She was the second of six children, born on February 25, 1938, at her parent’s home on the corner of Ida-Maybee and Dixon Road in Monroe, MI. Joyce (19) and Jack (21) were married on November 23, 1957, at the St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Raisinville Township. They were married 67 years. They raised their children in Lambertville, MI, and moved to Florida in 1989 to be with their children and grandchildren.

Joyce graduated from Dundee High School, Dundee, MI in May 1955 where she was a Majorette and Miss Grape. Her first job was with La-Z-Boy Chair Co., and throughout her career she worked as a secretary at several locations including her Church and Dura Temp Corp. Her last job was working with foster children with her husband Jack, at Great Oaks Village (Orlando, FL).

Joyce and Jack were members of United Church of the Nazarene (Orlando) where she loved to serve, worship and fellowship with people. Joyce shared her faith and salvation experience with everyone she could, and her faith shined bright in her everyday life. It was important for her family to be in church, and this had an impact on her entire family and many of her kid’s friends growing up. She hosted vacation bible school for the neighborhood kids. She enjoyed family gatherings (especially annual summer beach vacations), flower/plant gardening, church activities, 40’s Big Band music, making personalized cards with photos for everyone, walking with friends in Deland, and going to Flea Markets. Joyce and Jack’s most recent passion was watching the Orlando Magic Basketball games together in the comfort of their home.

It is comforting to know that Joyce is in Heaven because she loved the Lord so much. Her favorite song was by the Gaithers, “Because He Lives”. She leaves a beautiful Legacy that was carefully woven into each person she touched.

Joyce’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at United Church of the Nazarene, 1320 S. Chickasaw Trail, Orlando, FL, 32825. You can view the service at UCNorlando/facebook.com. A reception will follow. She will be laid to rest at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the: United Church of the Nazarene Church Farris-Taylor Prayer Garden.