Joanna Lucas, 65, from Little Rock, passed away on June 5, 2024, after bravely facing cancer over the past year. Born on November 29, 1958, in Greenville, Mississippi, she was the daughter of Alma (Yount) and the late Bobby Lee Doyle.
Joanna dedicated forty-five years of her life as a loan officer at Centennial Bank, retiring February 2024. Her unwavering work ethic and honest approach fostered lifelong friendships with her colleagues, whom she affectionately referred to as her "bank family". Beyond her professional endeavors, Joanna thrived on managing various properties alongside her husband.
Family was at the heart of Joanna's life, and she prioritized everyone getting together at least once a month. An exceptional hostess, Joanna spared no effort in making others feel welcome and loved. She especially enjoyed her role as "Mimi" to her grandchildren, cherishing every moment and giving them small gifts that she called “happies”.
When not busy with work or family, Joanna indulged in her love for shopping. Her thoughtfulness extended to this passion as she meticulously shopped year-round for gifts, her generosity shining most during the season of Christmas. She enjoyed preparing and decorating as much as the holiday itself. Even after Christmas had passed, her enthusiasm continued into the annual post-holiday sales on December 26, where she purchased new decorations for the following year.
Joanna's vibrant personality and compassionate nature left an enduring impression on everyone that was lucky enough to have met her. She is survived by her devoted husband of forty-two years, Michael V. Lucas; her daughter, Mika (Daniel) Bishop; her cherished grandchildren, Lucas and Stella Bishop; her mother, Alma Doyle; step-mother, Peggy Doyle; sisters, Debbie (Scott) Horton and Beth (Bo) Hicks; along with several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service honoring Joanna's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Griffin-Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to gather thirty minutes prior to the service to pay their respects.
