Joan F. Gillett

Joan Ferree (White) Gillett passed away on November 20, 2024, in Grand Rapids. Joan was preceded in death by first husband V. Hudson White, Jr. and second husband Dr. Frederick S. Gillett. Joan was born in Enid, Oklahoma in 1928 and survived the dust storms of the 1930s living in Kansas. She was a graduate of The Ohio State University and after working at the Kellogg Company in Battle Creek for two years, she moved to Grand Rapids for the rest of her life. Joan was a member of Kent Country Club, performing member of St. Cecelia Music Center, University Club of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra Women’s Committee (where she served as president), Sideboard Guild of Blodgett Hospital, St. Nicholas Guild of Grace Episcopal Church, the Junior League of Grand Rapids, and the Women’s City Club. She founded Opera Grand Rapids, Opera Association of Western Michigan, and Friends of the Opera. She served as Opera Board president for two years. She was an opera singer and loved opera and classical music all her life. She was presented the Arts Award for her distinguished service to the arts and her significant contributions to the cultural life of the community by the Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids in 1998. Services will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff at Heather Hills Retirement Community for their friendship and wonderful care. Special thanks to Joan’s long-time friend and caregiver Monna. Joan would want any memorial contributions sent to Opera Grand Rapids, 1320 East Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan F. Gillett, please visit our floral store.