Joann Edwards

Joann Goodwin Edwards was born in Van Buren, Arkansas on February 28, 1934, and left this world on August 15, 2025. Joann loved (besides her family and friends) the color red, OKC Thunder, Family Feud and George Strait. She was a member of Grand Avenue Baptist Church. Joann grew up in a little community called Bond Special in Van Buren, Arkansas. She married Ernest D. Edwards, Sr and, after having children, they moved to the Liberty/Roland area in 1968. She was one of the charter members of Roland Hills Baptist Church that was built and started services in 1970 and is still sharing the Gospel to this community today. She made this area her home for 57 years. She and her husband owned their own businesses from GE appliance dealers, to construction, to Edwards Auto Sales where she was the bookkeeper and “boss”. She finally retired at the age of 72 to enjoy her grandchildren, great grandchildren and shopping. As a child, she grew up very poor and talked about doing without and getting worn out hand me downs, so God gave her a heart of giving. She couldn’t bear the thought of a child being without a coat or a good pair of shoes. The local schools could call her with a need and she would say “get me the sizes” and the shopping would begin. She was always smiling and loved with her whole heart. She was a terrific example of how life should be lived and would always say “laughing makes you live longer”, and her laugh was contagious and infectious. She made an impact on our world bigger than she ever knew. She taught us all by example of how to live, love others and love God. She was Mom, Momma, Grand Mommy, Nanny and friend. Acts 20:35, And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than receive”.

Joann is preceded in death by her husband, Ernest D. Edwards, Sr.; two daughters, Lisa Beth Edwards and Geraldine Maddox; her parents, Robert A. Goodwin and Threasa Van Norsdall; her siblings: Patsy, Honey, Bobby and Frank, and a grandson, Steven Womble.

She is survived by two daughters, Kimberlee Flurry (Kevin) of Roland, Susan Kirkland of Texas, and a son, Ernest D. Edwards, Jr., (Donna) of Roland. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Pam Thompson, James Womble, Jessica Whorton, Lauren Hill, Ericka Edwards, Blake Flurry, Taylor Edwards, Billy Brewer and Dania Eford; eleven great grandchildren: Ty Thompson, Brady Cagle, Annastin Benham, Austin Benham, Greyson Corderman, Piper Hill, Jeremy Ballinas, Kezia Thompson, Elianna Thompson, Jackson Flurry and Lincoln Flurry, with one great-great-grandchild on the way.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, AR.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 605 E. Shawntel Smith Blvd, Muldrow, OK. Interment of her ashes will be at the Fort Smith National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grand Avenue Baptist Church, c/o Helping Hands Ministry, 3900 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72904, or go to www.gabc.church.