Joanne G. Emmons was a Republican member of both houses of the Michigan Legislature from 1987 until 1999. Born February 8, 1934, to Ray and Emma Gregory in Big Rapids, Emmons married her husband John in 1956. She was the valedictorian of her class at Mecosta High School in 1952 and graduated from Michigan State University in 1956 with a degree in home economics. She taught that subject at her high school alma mater from 1956 until 1958. She was an unsuccessful candidate for the Michigan State University Board of Trustees in 2002. Emmons is not related to State Senator Judy Emmons.