Iris Ann Bruce, 76, of Barling, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2026 in her home. She was born July 9, 1949 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Billy and Ruby Lee (Holland) Turner. She was a retired school teacher, having taught at Lavaca High School and in Leesville, Louisiana and was a member of Barling First Baptist Church. Iris also volunteered as a chaplain at Baptist Health for 16 years.
She is survived by her son, Eric William Bruce and wife, Audrae of Barling, one sister, Joy Turner and one grandson, William Austin Bruce. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Jones Bruce.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Saturday, May 30 at Barling First Baptist Church with burial at the Fort Smith National Cemetery under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Visitation with the family will be Friday from 5 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Roger Bullington, Eric Bruce, Austin Bruce, Jeremy Lloyd, Joshua Emerton and Tim Holland. Honorary pallbearers will be the chaplains at Baptist Health.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church, 602 E. Church St., Barling, AR 72923.
The family requests that you wear the color purple in memory of Iris. It was her favorite color.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
