Joan was born in Holly Grove, Arkansas, on March 13, 1940 unto Rev. Henry and Reba Morris. She was a Missionary Baptist. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Reba Morris; brothers, Tommy & James Morris; sisters, Louise White, Jean Cathy, Anne Forrester, Linda McCollum, Polly Boudreaux, Marsha Morris; and grandson, Justin Drew Sweet.
She is survived by her five daughters, Vanessa “Joan” Hudson, Marsha Quimby, Rhenda Staggs (Mike), Dawn Pennell (Steve), Johnette Robinson-Cochran (Jesse); and their father, Harold Joe Hellums (Katie); grandkids, Christopher Harvill, Nikki Harvill, Britney Pennell-Gonzales (Chase), Sidney Staggs, Heath Souter, and Ryan Robinson; and sisters-in-law, Mary Morris, Jackie Morris, Drucilla Howard & Barbara Ford. Joan had many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that she adored.
Joan retired from Bossier Medical Center as a PBX Operator in 2000. Throughout her life, Joan ministered music in churches throughout Arkansas and Louisiana. Joan loved the Lord with all of her heart. She spent her life loving big on her family and friends. She made friends with every person she came in contact with and always found the right words to say to those in need. She loved playing the piano and singing was her greatest pastime.
Pallbearers include Keith Dunaway, Mark Morris, Mike Morris, Matthew Luce, Brad Zagone, and Tim Jackson.
Services will be held at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home on May 21, 2020, with Shane Deville officiating and special remarks from Joe Hellums. Visitation will be held at 10:00 am and is open to her community of friends. A private service for family will be held at 11:00 am due to CDC regulations. A burial service will immediately follow and is also open to her community of friends. All services will be held at Hill Crest Memorial.
Honorary Pallbearers include: Bossier City Fire Department, Randall Robinson, Ronnie Harvill, Michael Fay, Terry Dunaway, Kevin Dunaway and Jesse Cochran.
The family would like to express appreciation to Dr. Patrick Deere, Dr. Michael Acurio & Lifepath Hospice, along with all her physicians, nurses and health care providers for their compassionate care. A special thank you to Joan’s sweet friend Lashuna Moore, CNA who cared for our mother like she was family.
Services will be streamed online via Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home Facebook.
