Joelen Cox Zimont entered heaven at dawn on July 24, 2026, at home in the same place as her loving husband Chuck of 66 years.

Born October 14, 1932, in the Constantine Hospital, to Helen (Campbell) and Joseph A. Cox, she was always proud that her name was a combination of her parents’ names. For all but eight of her 93 years, she lived in Constantine and became synonymous with the town. In her mind, there was no better community in which to live. She was a living example of the Abraham Lincoln quote: "I like to see a [wo]man proud of the place in which [s]he lives. I like to see a [wo]man live so that [her] place will be proud of [her].

She met her husband in kindergarten and graduated with him from Constantine High School in 1950. After high school, she graduated from DePauw University in 1954, while Chuck attended Wabash College. Similar to her love of Constantine, she believed those were the two best colleges in the world, and she held deep loyalty to both. She treasured and kept in regular contact throughout her life with her college friends including those of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

Joelen and Chuck were united in marriage on June 26, 1954, at the Constantine Methodist Church. While he completed his medical degree at the University of Michigan (Go Blue!), she taught 3rd Grade at Ann Arbor’s Angell Elementary School.

In 1958, with two of their eventual four children already added to the family, they returned permanently to Constantine. There, Joey dedicated herself to raising their family, and to all things Constantine. She loved cooking “experiments” for the family, enriching her children’s lives with excursions, crafts and games, swimming, playing the piano, sewing, knitting, and other creative projects. She was a member of the Constantine United Methodist Church, UMC Women, Rotary Anns, St. Joseph County Medical Auxiliary, Constantine Township Library (president for 37 years), Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader, Constantine Band and Sports booster clubs, co-chair of the committee to build the new high school, and a founding member of the Constantine Area Community Foundation. She attended her first CHS football game at age 5 with her daddy, and for the next 80 years was always sitting on the 50 yard line, or at center court. Due to her extensive knowledge of Constantine, she contributed to books about its history. Joey had numerous circles of friends, including her bridge club of 69 years, backpacking groups, and Dinner Club.

There are few people who love reading and use of the English language as much as Joey. Thanks to her father owning a printshop, at which she was a “printer’s devil”, she loved reading a newspaper she could hold in her hands. There was a period of time when she subscribed to and read 3 newspapers a day. She was an avid reader, known for reading at least three books per week. In her later years, she would excitedly tell you of a historical figure about whom she had read and say that they were “Unnn—Beee-Lievable!”. As for use of English, her children will tell you that she was constantly correcting them. If you asked her, “Mom, where’s my gym bag at?”, her answer was, “Right before the at.” Never one to swear, she later began using the word “Interesting” to conclude her thoughts on just about everything. You never quite knew if she meant that was good or bad!

Joelen was preceded in death by her husband, Charles R. Zimont, M.D., in 2021; son Todd, in 2024; parents, Joseph A. and Helen Cox; Dr. and Mrs. Raymond and Mary Zimont; sister, Judith and brother-in-law, Ed Tynan; adopted son-in-law, George Shoun; and in-laws, Molly and Howard Roth.

Surviving are her children Cathy Jo Zimont, Jeff (Peggy) Zimont, and Ben (Kathy) Zimont, and daughter-in-law Sharon Zimont; grandchildren Ryan (Taryn) Zimont, Adam (April) Zimont, Allison (Jordan) Werner, Megan Zimont, Michael Giles, Courtney Giles, and Amanda Giles; great grandchildren: Sloane, Nolan, Henri, Lydia, Josephine, and Isabelle.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 29, 6:00-8:00 pm. The memorial service will be Thursday, July 30, 11:00 am (luncheon to follow). Both will be at the Constantine United Methodist Church 285 White Pigeon St., Constantine, MI 49042. A private graveside service will be held at a later time. Arrangements are being coordinated by Eley Funeral Home, Constantine, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Constantine Area Community Foundation, or the Constantine United Methodist Church.