Barbara Joan Segar

In the early morning of January 9, 2023, at the age of 88, Barbara Joan Segar journeyed from this world with an honor escort of angels. Family was present to send her off. Everyone remembers her as having a godly and pure heart, a meek and mild manner, and a sense of humor accompanied by chuckles and a twinkle of her blue-gray eyes. So like her own father!

She was born on June 20, 1934, in Almont, Michigan, to Walter and Mabel (Muir) Currey. After graduating from Imlay City High School in 1952, she married Donald Edward Segar the following August at Trinity Baptist Church in Imlay City, Michigan.

While rearing their five children, she supported Don in his many business and pastoral positions that moved the family around the country often, to locales like Bisbee, Arizona; Bridgeport and Ypsilanti, Michigan; Zanesville and Sandusky, Ohio; Aberdeen, South Dakota; and Macon, Georgia. As a pastor’s wife, she played the organ to accompany congregational singing, taught Sunday School and daily vacation Bible school classes, and recited memorized readings and poems. Whenever the church door was open, she was there. She was a dear child and sister; a loving and devoted wife, mother and friend; and a true servant to all. Her favorite passages from Scripture were Ephesians 2:8-9 and Psalm 138:24. She never had much, but she always gave generously of the little she had, often doing without for herself. A committed Christian, she prayed daily for her grandchildren and great grandchildren to know and serve the God she loves.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband Donald. Surviving children include Karen (James) Boniface of Venice, FL; Donald (Tricia) Segar of Spartanburg, SC; Kathy (Gene) Orlikowski of Summerville, SC; Joel (Lisa) Segar of Ooltewah, TN; and Kimberly (Fred) Parisek of Macomb, MI. She is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. Preceding her in death are her parents and all of her siblings – Phyllis Marie David, Doris Maxine Fritch Carnill, Max Donald Currey, Margaret Elaine Rocker, Katherine May Threllfall, and Beverly Jean Segar Crawford.

A celebration of life service, officiated by Pastor Ronald Wagner, will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home in Romeo, Michigan, with burial to follow at the Scotch Settlement Cemetery in Almont Township, Michigan. Viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the service at 10:30 a.m. In her honor, guests are asked to wear purple, her favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Imlay City High School Marching Band. Joan enjoyed playing the trombone there and was fond of retelling a particular memory of her marching days: she lost her slide and had to run across the football field to retrieve it. The “brass boys” were greatly amused, but Joan was mortified!

She loved march music, especially a rousing Sousa rendition. She also cherished hymns. Even when her mind was riddled with dementia, she could sing all four verses of songs she loved and played – word perfectly! On the eve before her final day, her lips still moved in an attempt to whisper lyrics.

Donations may be made payable to Imlay City High School Band with a notation in honor of Joan Segar. Mail them to 1001 Norlin Drive, Imlay City, MI 48444.

What a legacy she bequeaths! A 65-year marriage to her first and only love, a fierce-faithful love for her family and friends, and a testimony of a lifetime of service to family, church, and anyone in need. The world is less without her sweet presence.