Joy Jean White

Joy Jean Wilson White, 92, of Stuttgart, Arkansas, joined her Savior in Heaven on September 9, 2018 after a short illness. She rejoined loved ones that had preceded her: husband Robert M. (Bob) White; parents Rev. Lawrence & Nona Johnston Wilson; siblings Charles E Wilson, Joseph M Wilson, Byron K Wilson and Mary Louise Wilson; nephew Charles Edward Wilson.

Joy leaves to cherish fond memories of a life well lived to daughters Yvonne Kay White (Nelson) of Stuttgart and Vicki Jean Davis (Larry) of Little Rock; grandchildren LeeAndra Smith (Brad), Robert Davis (Julie), Nathan White (Lori), Daniel White (Vanessa), Lana Mayer (John); great grandchildren Makala, Aidan and Connor White; Kenzie and Lyanna Smith, Madison and Riley Davis, Carly and Tyler Mayer; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of dear friends.

Joy was born was born in Norphlet, AR on August 8, 1926. She was proud of being a PK (preacher’s kid) and made lifelong friends in all the communities where her father served. Joy loved people and they loved her optimism, sweet disposition and love of life. She graduated from Fairview High School and attended Henderson State Teachers College, where she was a Reddie cheerleader and President of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority.

Joy was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. She was a member of the choir, in younger years served as youth director with her husband Bob and was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Women. Joy was the secretary of Stuttgart High School for 20 years. She is fondly remembered for her smile by many students, parents and faculty.

She and Bob loved to travel. They pulled their trailer all over the country. They enjoyed the people and the activities of the Good Sam’s Club. Joy’s life was full of community activities with memberships in the AMICI Club, DAR and Stuttgart Hospital Auxiliary. The Grand Prairie Museum was a passion of hers. Family was important to her. Her home was a gathering spot for holidays and celebrations. Joy was always ready to go, learn something new or play a game. She was an avid reader and loved cross stitching. Bridge was a favorite activity with her friends. By all those who knew her, she lived up to her name – Joy.

Joy donated her body to UAMS for medical research. Her ashes will be reunited with her husband Bob on February 2, 2022, which would have been their 75th wedding anniversary. Interment will be at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.