She was a secretary/bookkeeper for Mid-America Packing and also was a secretary/receptionist for Ben Pearson Company. She enjoyed gardening, fishing and working with her flowers. Joyce had a giving heart, loved to cook and spend time with her family. She was a very loving wife, mother, nana, sister and a great aunt with a smile that would light up the room.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by two sisters, Patsy Jackson and Nancy Sipes; and two nephews, Phillip Burks and Albert Carol Gibbs.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Ed Abernathy of Monticello; one daughter, Melody Runkel and husband John of Bryant; two granddaughters, Rachel and Rylee Bolls of Bryant; one step-granddaughter, Ellison Runkel of Little Rock; two sisters, Peggy Bumpass of Monticello and Betty Norton and husband Marvin of Monticello; a brother-in-law, Gary Abernathy and wife Cindy; ten nieces and nephews; and many grand nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 3, 2016 at Rose Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church with burial to follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Family visitation will be held one hour prior to service at the church. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(10)
Johnny and Alana McGinness
Benton, AR Friday, September 2, 2016 Selfishly, we want her back, but gratefully, we know she's healed and in His presence! Nana was such a wonderful person, and we are blessed to have known her. You all are in our prayers! Hugs and love!Jennifer Patrick Wilson
Fayetteville, AR Friday, September 2, 2016 So sorry for your loss. She was a great lady and will be missed by many. I see so much of her in you Mel, that's a great compliment to both of you. Praying that God's love and you friends and family will comfort you during this difficult time.Pat Raley
Star City, AR Friday, September 2, 2016 Joyce will be missed, that I know. I worked with her at Ben Pearson for 20 years and thought a lot of her. My prayers are with her family.Becky Moore
Pine Bluff, AR Friday, September 2, 2016 Joyce was such a lovely and sweet person. Always had a smile on her face. I truly enjoyed knowing her. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.Sherri Mills-Wells
woodburn, OR Friday, September 2, 2016 My dear friend Joyce, will forever be a part of me. So thankful that even though we have not been in contact for years, we recently connected through Facebook . I hold her and her family dear to my heart. Still hard to imagine thatshe has taken up residency in heaven . God did receive an " Angel!" I celebrate her life and her memory.
Praying for the family and lifting you all in prayer.
Love you Joyce!😘
linda funderburg
onticello, AR Friday, September 2, 2016 my condolence to joyce's family..she was a sweetieCarolyn Gammel
Pine Bluff, AR Friday, September 2, 2016 I was so sorry to hear that Joyce passed away so suddenly. I saw her a few months ago and she looked absolutely beautiful. We go way back to when we were in school. She introduced me to the young man that I married. We spent the night at each others houses and shared all those silly girl secrets. Treasure your memories! God BlessReba Carter
White Hall, AR Friday, September 2, 2016 Joyce and I worked together for several years at Quest Corporation in Pine Bluff. I am truly sorry for your loss Ed and Melody. She was a wonderful person and friend. May God bless you and keep you during this tremendous loss. I will keep you in my prayers.Nancy Cauthen
Rockingham, NC Thursday, September 1, 2016 I am so sadden by Joyce's death. I worked with her many years, her in our Mid America Pine Bluff, Ark office and me in Rockingham.. Although we never actually met in person, I felt I knew her so well, we shared so much time on the phone, both working in CS. I pray for Ed and Melody, and granddaughters that she loved so dearly. Our families were the bulk of our conversations. I am still in shock. My condolences to you all.linda funderburg
monticello, AR Thursday, September 1, 2016 my condolence to this family may God hold you close during this difficult time