LaJoyce Vann

LaJoyce Vann, 91, of Gentry, Arkansas, passed away March 22, 2026. Born July 6, 1934, in Texas, LaJoyce was the daughter of Aulton Patrick and Janice Faubion and had one younger brother. She will be remembered as brilliant and unique; an incredible woman who wore many hats.

LaJoyce was a proud graduate of the University of Arkansas, earning degrees in education: a bachelor’s degree in 1969, a master’s degree in 1970, and a PhD in 1988. For more than 10 years, LaJoyce worked at the University of Arkansas as an assistant to the dean and taught a class on parliamentary procedure. Her commitment to learning shaped her life and influenced those around her.

LaJoyce was married to her husband, Dalton Vann, for 47 years, until his passing in 2016. LaJoyce and Dalton owned and operated a parking lot cleaning and striping business, Zebra Striping, for 25 years. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and steadfast devotion.

LaJoyce loved thrifting and finding sales, and she was a collector of many things—ranging from hats to musical instruments. She deeply valued education and learning, appreciated continuing education, and even passed her LSAT in her 70s, reflecting her one-of-a-kind determination and brilliant mind.

Among her many ties to the University of Arkansas, LaJoyce was one of only a few people to have her name in three places on the Senior Walk—an enduring mark of her remarkable academic journey. In the moments that mattered most, she was also known for a simple, lasting encouragement: she always ended phone calls with her family by telling them to “Be brilliant.”

LaJoyce is survived by her daughter, Vicki Marsh; granddaughters, Eleshia Ziegler (Michael) and Patricia Smith; grandson, Bradley Smith; great-grandchildren, Noah, Lorelei, Ashlynn, and Abby; her brother, Jerry Patrick; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Patrick Smith; and her husband, Dalton Vann.