Joan "Joey" Douglas

Joan Frances Douglas, more commonly known as Joey to friends and family, left this Earth for her Eternal Home in Heaven on the morning of October 26, 2021, at the age of 87. Joey was born on July 29, 1934, in Fort Smith, AR to her mother, Florence Lucille Stroud (Holcomb} and her father, Richard Calvin Stroud. Joey dedicated her life to working hard to love and provide for her family. Joey began her career as a secretary at the Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney's office in Fort Smith, AR. Shortly afterwards, she attained her position as a grand jury court reporter which led to her long career as a court reporter for Sebastian County under Judge Robert Boyer and Judge Don Langston. As an avid shopper and lover of pretty things, she continued working, well past the age of retirement, and ended her career as a court reporter for Judge Gary Cottrell at the Crawford County Courthouse. Joey chose to continue working because she loved giving to her family - extending to her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and beyond. Joey was a member of First Christian Church in Fort Smith.

Joey is preceded in death by her mother, Florence Lucille Stroud (Holcomb); her father Richard Calvin Stroud; her brother Richard E. Stroud (Dicky); and her sister Doris Jean Fulbright. She is survived by her sister, Carol Sue Engel; daughter, Sharla Florice Stiles (Flo) and husband Theodore Eugene Stiles II (Ted); her sons Steven Edward Briggs and Raymond Gordon Briggs; her grandchildren Erin Barker, Jessica Davidson, Marika Baker, Ashley Ragsdale, Jonathan Briggs, David Briggs, Michael Briggs, Scott Briggs; her great-grandchildren Olivia and Sydney Barker, Tripp, Knox and Winnie Davidson, Hazel and Mavis Briggs, J.C. and Julia Ragsdale. In addition to the loved ones listed above, Joey was adored and loved by so many. She was (Grandma) Joey to people who were nonrelated and her presence was always known when she walked into the room, whether it was on time or an hour late. Joey will be missed by many, honored indefinitely and never forgotten. Her joyous spirit and bright red smile will always be present in her families’ lives.

Visitation will be held this Friday evening, October 29, 2021, from 5:00-7:00 pm, at Edwards Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 2:00 pm at First Christian Church with Rev. Nick Koontz officiating. A moment to visit and view will be held prior to the celebration at 1:00 pm in the church sanctuary. Interment will be at Forest Park Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Brian Davidson, Gage Baker, David Briggs, Ian Rogers, Jonathan Pittman and Chris Mikel.

If desired, donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, 111 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 or visit www.imaginationlibrary.com, to advance literacy development in children, in honor of Joey.