Joanne G Holman

Joanne Gae (Cheney) Holman, 84, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away on November 26, 2025.

Joanne was born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1940, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Evelyn (Swan) and Reid Cheney.

Education was a cornerstone in her life. In her formative years, she looked forward to attending her one room school across from her Grandparents’ farmhouse. She was excited to walk across the dirt road to ring the bell to start each day.

As a student at Eaton Rapids High School, she enjoyed participating in the marching band, playing the cornet, tap dancing, and acting in theatrical plays, including starring as Ginger in the play Time Out for Ginger. Her additional interests in journalism and English led to her role as editor for her school’s yearbook her senior year.

She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School, then continued her education at Michigan State University, earning her BA in 1962. Singing in the chorus while at MSU was extremely important, and she referred to it many times throughout her life. 

She began teaching 2nd grade in Michigan Center’s Elementary public school while enrolling at the University of Michigan’s (U of M) Rackham Graduate School, where she earned her MA in 1964. Upon graduating from U of M, she moved to California and taught at San Bernardino (CA) public elementary school for a year, and took piano lessons.

On June 25, 1965, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, Joanne married her loving husband, Dr. Thomas E. Holman. They purchased their first home in 1967 and the adjacent farm thereafter, leading to 58 wonderful years at Harmony Hills.

She is survived by her four adored children: Hannah Holman of Manhattan, NY; Holly Holman of Salt Lake City, UT; Harland (Kira Sieplinga) Holman of Grand Rapids, MI; and Hillary Holman of Jackson, MI; and her five beloved grandchildren (Matisse Arnone of Burlington, VT, Annika Holman of Ann Arbor, MI, Greta Holman, Luke Holman, and Hao Kang Holman of Grand Rapids, MI).

Joanne joyfully participated in many service groups over several years. She assisted her husband in Guatemala with Helps International. She served as President of the Jackson Tuesday Musicale and President of the Michigan Federation of Music Clubs, organizing music scholarships and programs for students in the state of Michigan. She was a PEO member for several years, helping women with educational goals. She served on the Jackson Symphony Guild Board as a member, historian, and fundraiser for many scholarships in the community.

She was also a very active member of the First United Methodist Church of Jackson, MI,  where she taught Sunday School for many years, sang in two choirs, participated in bible study classes, and served on many committees.

She enjoyed playing the harpsichord, which was made by Tom as a wedding gift. Joanne and Tom played harpsichord and cello duets for over five decades at Harmony Hills. 

Joanne loved her family, friends, and neighbors. Her smile, support of others, and joy of life were radiant and shared with many.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Jackson United Methodist Church (Jackson, MI) on December 21, 2025, at 3 pm with a light luncheon following at the church.

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