Eunice J. Volkers

VOLKERS, Eunice Jan (Brink), 85, of Holland, passed on to Heaven on August 22, 2024. Eunice was born on November 9, 1938, in Carnes, Iowa. The daughter of a minister, her childhood included moves to South Dakota, Minnesota, and Ontario, Canada. In 1956, after completing high school by correspondence, Eunice moved to Grand Rapids, MI, to attend Reformed Bible Institute (now Kuyper College). During that time she met her husband-to-be at Graafschap Christian Reformed Church in Holland, MI. Eunice (Eunie) married her “Dear”, James (Jim) Herbert Volkers, in 1959 and together they had five children. Eunice is survived by four of their children: Karen (Ed) VanderWindt of Ancaster, Ontario; Robert (Marcia Defreese) Volkers of South Haven, MI; Mark (Janelle Timmer) Volkers of Orange City, IA; Joy (Chuck) Berghorst of Zeeland, MI; and grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Matthew (Caitlin Timmer) VanderWindt, with Rose, Caroline; Kathryn (Willem) de Ruijter, with Gideon, Levi, Ivy; David (Emily Sinclair) VanderWindt, with Joseph, Emma, Marigold; Ben (Brianna Kuperus) VanderWindt; Cody (Susannah Sullivan) Volkers; Kristiana Volkers (fiancé Christian Smith); Elsa (Braden) Kooiker, with Sutton, Leighton, Sylvie; Lauren (Paul) Kleyer, with Corrie, Micah, Rylie; Colin Volkers; Johnathan Berghorst (fiancée Courtney Copeland); Adam Berghorst; and Evan Berghorst. Siblings: Shirlene† (Jim†) Medendorp, Betty (Ken†) Navis, Phil (Bette Vanderzee) Brink, Fred (Ruth Van Dyken) Brink, Ruth† (Jim†) Hubbling; in-law Siblings: Faye† (Bernie†) Van Kampen, Clyde (Joan Maxwell) Volkers, Paul (Linda Koopman) Volkers, Ruth† (Volkers) Erlick, and Mary (Joel) Telfer-Taylor (Lynn† Telfer). Eunice was preceded in death by her husband, Jim (†June 4, 2024), her parents, Rev. John E. Brink (†2001), Winnifred (Comdoor) Brink (†1945), Betty (Walhof) Brink (†1969), and Jennie (Dykstra) Brink († 2014), and in-law parents Clarence Volkers (†1990) and Johanna (Blaauw) Volkers (†1996). In 1969, Eunice and Jim lost their infant son, Christopher. Eunice was a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was gentle, compassionate and kind. Blessed with a sense of humor, Eunice was a good listener, loved to read, enjoyed a great cup of coffee, picnics, and a spirited game of cards. Her home was warm, inviting, and beautiful; she excelled in the art of homemaking. She knew how to set a welcoming table, and treated her family and friends with delicious, homemade food. She mastered refinishing furniture, made exquisite handwork, and created beautiful music. She ran a successful antiques business and volunteered for Hospice and the Herrick Public Library. Over the years, Eunice and her family cross-country skied, played racquetball, hiked, cycled, and camped. She assisted Jim with his work and they shared many hobbies, including a favorite: traveling with friends and family. They worked together to develop their much loved home and property. They were strong supporters of Christian education and other organizations. One of Eunice’s highest priorities was the well-being of her husband, children, and extended family, along with friends and church community; she prayed for them faithfully. In 1967, while members of Graafschap CRC, Eunice and Jim joined others to found Gibson CRC, an outreach church-plant, where they remained life-long members. Eunice contributed to many areas of church life including as a pianist and organist. She brought a quiet and refined presence wherever she went. To view the livestream of the service, please visit https://www.youtube.com/@graafschapcrc. Visitation and funeral will be held at Graafschap Christian Reformed Church, September 13, 2024 (5973 Church St, Holland, MI). Visitation: 11:30am -12:30pm. Funeral: 1:00pm with Rev. Marvin Hofman officiating. Luncheon will be served after the funeral followed by Interment at Graafschap Cemetery. The family is deeply grateful for the kind and loving care of staff at Appledorn Assisted Living Center North, The Cortland of Holland, and Hospice of Holland. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland (hollandhospice.app.neoncrm.com/forms/give) or to Kuyper College (kuyper.edu/giving).

Tributes

Eunice J. Volkers

November 9, 1938 - August 22, 2024