Ms. Joanne Ruth Tumpkin

Joanne Ruth (Page) Tumpkin was born on September 16, 1940 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from the loving union of William and Ethel Page. It was was in Pittsburgh, at an early age, when Joanne made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. After moving to Detroit in the late 40’s, she attended Central High School and graduated in 1958. In High School she met Freddie Lee Tumpkin while frequenting King Cole Grocery Store. Their relationship blossomed and in 1959, at the age of 19, Joanne married Freddie. Their union blessed them with three children, Diana Lynn, Alan and Elaina. Although she always worked, she devoted her life to raising her children. During the 60’s and 70’s, Joanne enjoyed good parties with friends she cherished. In the 70’s she started working as an Administrative Assistant at New Detroit, Inc., and because of her exceptional work ethic and skillset, she was hired as a Manager for the Girl Scouts of America. After several years at that post, Joanne was stricken with a debilitating illness that limited her career. Although she could no longer work professionally, she spent fifteen years taking care of her father, and enjoying the loves of her life, her children and grandchildren. In the late 90’s, Joanne recommitted her relationship with Jesus Christ and sought to follow him the rest of her life. In her later years she would weekly be found sitting on the front row at Life Church Southfield, where her son Alan pastored. Joanne’s greatest joys were taking pictures with a disposable camera, which she would always have in her purse, painting, shopping, and of course, spoiling her grandchildren. Her grandchildren were everything to her. She was so proud of everything they did and would tell everyone she met about them. Though Joanne battled a host of illnesses, and in many cases beat them, she ultimately succumbed to cancer, on Sunday morning, February 17th. Joanne is preceded in death by her mother, Ethel Page, father, William Page, her brother, William Page, Jr., sister-in-law, Clara Page, and her first love and husband, Freddie Lee Tumpkin. Joanne is survived by her sisters, Kathye Sears and Cynthia Page, daughters, Diana Lynn Matthews (Bryan), Elaina Holsey (Charles), her son, Alan Tumpkin (Marcia), granddaughters Tiffany Long (Anson), Michelle Howard, Brittani Holsey, Lauren Holsey, Diana Holsey, Carlie Holsey, great grandson Anthony Jerome Long and a host of nephews and nieces, cousins and friends.

Ms. Joanne Ruth Tumpkin

September 16, 1940 - February 17, 2019