Josephine "Jo" M. Carmichael

November 24, 1922 - March 21, 2015

Josephine Mary Carmichael (Dykstra), formerly of Kent City entered the presence of her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on March 21, 2015 at age 92. She was preceded in death by her husband John Carmichael, brother Louis Dykstra, daughter Sharon Witt (Emmons) and grandson Steven Emmons. Josephine, "Jody" is survived by her sons Harold "Sonny" Emmons, Jr. (Sharon), Dennis "Denny" Emmons (Bonnie), stepdaughter Sherry Young, sister Nellie Afton (Dykstra), son-in-law Gerry Witt, 10 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. "Jody", Mom, or Grandma would want everyone who knew or met her to reminisce daily on your blessings, realizing that every breath you have is a pure gift from God. Her "feisty" independent spirit, fostered by the "Great Depression" is evident in the phrase, "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without". When a bar of soap became too small to use, she soaked it in water and it became "liquid soap". Two days before her death, she wanted to reimburse her eldest son Harold, $1.43 for an ice cream treat the two had shared. She found it easy to give but hard to receive. Mom was always concerned about having you well fed. Even when you were "stuffed" she encouraged you to "take another bite". She always had food and sweet treats available to share. One thing she wouldn't share was her secret Christmas Party Mix recipe. After years of requests, she finally released the formula. It may be the 2 pounds of real butter or perhaps mainly her hands that made it taste great. Her body was old but her attitude toward life was always "young", evidenced by a never-ending sense of humor. Examples include hiding under your bed and when you came home from a date and turned the lights out, Mom's arm would reach under the sheet and she'd grab your leg or putting paper in Grandpa's dish of ice cream and delight in hearing the grandkids laugh as he took a bite of the "Grand Rapids Press". The laugh was on her when at age 91 she still would hide around a corner in her hallway and attempt to grab you as you walked by. Having to use a walker, she was too slow to grab you in time as you passed by her hidden location. Yes, there are other things we could share but shouldn't. Even Mom knew only a fool shares everything on their mind. Her bittersweet departure was mostly sweet because we know she's finally "perfect" in heaven. We who are left behind are still "Works in Progress". We miss you Jody, Mom, Grandma and friend. No visitation or service will be held at Josephine’s request. Memorial contributions may be given to Eaton Community Palliative Care 2675 S. Cochran Ave. Charlotte, MI. 48813 or Our Daily Bread Ministries P.O. Box 2222 Grand Rapids, MI. 49501. Arrangements by the Holihan-Atkin Funeral Home, Grand Ledge.