Obituary of Barbara Allen Joseph
Barbara Allen Sizemore was born on July 4, 1931 in Frenchtown Township, Michigan. She was the daughter of Albert Sizemore and Bonnie (Linkes) Sizemore. She attended Lincoln School and Monroe High School.
Barbara married Len E. Caudill in 1949. He died tragically on Christmas Day, December 25, 1952. She then married Lawrence S. Joseph in 1957 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monroe. The couple was blessed with many years of marriage but ultimately separated in 1987.
Barb worked in sales at the Hudson store in Lansing where one of her responsibilities was to set up displays. She worked in Riverview for an additional ten years operating her own travel agency. First and foremost, Barb was a caregiver working in home healthcare for many years, even up until the time of her passing.
A beautiful, Christian woman, Barbara enjoyed worship to keep herself close with her Lord. She was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas in Okemos and was thankful to attend Monroe Missionary Baptist Church in Monroe when she visited local relatives. In her twilight years, she cherished her relationship with Ron Hagman a close friend and confidant.
Barb prided herself on her looks never leaving the home without being completely put together. She even designed her own clothing and furniture. She was an avid gardener, loving to watch the grow. She was a devoted die-hard Michigan State fan.
Barb loved to travel. From the Midwest to Out West, one of her favorite places to visit was Grand Haven right on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. More than anything she loved to visit family enjoying conversation. She considered herself quite blessed to have grandchildren proudly taking the nickname, “Mema”.
Barbara Allen Joseph, age 91 of Haslett, Michigan passed away at McLaren Hospital, Lansing on Thursday; March 16, 2023. Her passing was preceded by her parents; her first husband; six siblings: Jewel Rodriguez, Danny Sizemore, George Sizemore, Freddie Sizemore, Edsel Ford Sizemore, and Margie St. John; and two sons-in-law: Morris “Chief” Henderson and Rolff Zacker.
To cherish her memory Barb leaves five children: Bonnie Lynn Henderson of Grand Haven, Michigan, Terry Lee Zacher of Mesa, Arizona, Len Earl Joseph (Michelle) Caudill of Clarendon Hills, Illinois, Lawrence S. Joseph of Brooklyn, Michigan, and Barbara Ann “Keke” (James) Pritchett of Bath, Michigan; a half-sister: Debbie Sizemore-Laurer (Eric) of Dayton, Tennessee; thirteen grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.
Friends may gather from 12:00pm until 2:00pm on Thursday; March 30, 2023 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 2:00pm also at Merkle’ with Pastor Roy Southerland officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for inurnment. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie.
At the end of her life, Barb struggled with heart related ailments. For those who desire memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.