At nine years of age, she moved near Monticello in the Montongo community. She graduated from Drew Central High School, where she co-wrote the Alma Mater. She graduated magna cum laude from Arkansas A&M College, now UAM with a BSE degree and received a MSE degree from Arkansas Teachers' College, now UCA at Conway. She taught at W. C. Whaley Elementary from 1964-1985, was the first special education teacher in the Monticello School District and later taught first and second grades. She had a passion for teaching and was devoted to helping each child reach his potential.
She loved her family and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who gave freely her unconditional love. She was the widow of her husband of 55 years, E. F. Myhand and was preceded in death by a brother, William David Rogers. She was an active member of the Rose Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church where she taught the adult Sunday school class and enjoyed her club meetings, coffee group, gardening and reading.
Survivors include her daughter, Mary Jo Barnett and husband, Billy of Monticello; a granddaughter, Leslie Michelle McDonnell and husband, Bryan of Arkadelphia; and a great-granddaughter, Avery Claire McDonnell.
Condolences(26)
LaKeisha Suber
Monticello, AR Monday, February 28, 2011 Mrs. Myhand was a teacher when I went to W.C. Whaley. I wasn't in her class, but my cousin was. I just happend to run across her name and had to give my respects. RIP, Mrs. Myhand. You are remembered!!!Pat McCoy Kissinger
Smyrna, TN Saturday, January 29, 2011 My deepest condolences. I will fondly remember Mrs. Myhand!Jane Jo Summerford
, TX Tuesday, January 25, 2011 You have been in my thoughts and prayers. Mrs. Myhand was such a kind person and will be greatly missed. May God give you His strength at this time.Jenny Beaty Satterlee
, TX Tuesday, January 25, 2011 Mrs. Mary Jo, Michelle and family,I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Myhands' passing. I too was a second grade student of hers and remember only good things about being in her class. She was a very kind person and I know you will miss her greatly but you will see her again one day. My family and I send our sincerest sympathy.
Jenny Satterlee
Janice McAllister
Hot Springs Village, AR Saturday, January 22, 2011 How said it is to loose such a sweet and beautiful lady. She was such fun to be with and a pleasure to work with, a dear lady who will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to you, Mary Jo and all your family. She truly loved each of you and proclaimed that to all. With love and sympathy, Janice "Gladden" McAllisterCasey Scroggins Tyrone
McGehee, AR Friday, January 21, 2011 Condolences to the family. Mrs. Myhand was a wonderful teacher, i remember her well from my elementary days. She was always so nice and cared deeply for her students.Janie/Larry Fuller
Monticello, AR Thursday, January 20, 2011 Mary Jo & Family,We are so sorry for your loss of Ms JoAnn.
She & EF were always a happy couple and delightful to visit with. We were fortunate to have them visit our home and join us in good times.
Ms JoAnn was a real "mover and shaker" in her Church and community at large. We loved her and will mss her greatly.
Janie & Larry Fuller
Cindy Stell Hudgens
Monticello, AR Thursday, January 20, 2011 My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.PAT SAVAGE
Monticello, AR Wednesday, January 19, 2011 So sorry to hear about Ms. Myhand. My thoughts and prayers are with you.Kay Worbington
Monticello, AR Tuesday, January 18, 2011 Mary Jo and family,My prayers are with you at this difficult. Mrs. Myhand was a dear lady. She taught my Heather 28 years ago in the 2nd grade. Heather says she remembers her as one of those "kind and caring teachers". She had a good impact on her students which they don't forget.
May the memories of a great mom and grandmother comfort you.
Jeanie Mc Whirter
Duncanville, TX Tuesday, January 18, 2011 Mary Jo and Michelle, you already know what a great Lady your Mother and Grandmother was. I have known her all my life and consider this to be a privilege. I know we will all miss her, I am glad she is with Jesus in Heaven.Joyce and Bill Goe
Martinez, CA Tuesday, January 18, 2011 My first memory of JoAn was of her teaching a group of us kids from Rose Hill Free Will Baptist Church in Vacation Bible School. Some of the other dear ladies from Old Rose Hill motored us over, summer after summer, and we looked forward to it with anticipation. JoAn loved teaching and made us all feel very special. Later, she became a loved member of our family after my brother, Billy, married her only child and daughter, Mary Jo. She adopted Billy as her own, championing him and his seven siblings, quietly, in her way, for the rest of her life. Next to my own mother, I have always admired her more than any other woman in my life, for her great strength, Christian faith and service. She lives on!! Thanks, JoAn, for shaping us in the right direction, as we endeavor to do the same for those that follow us. With endearing appreciation and love, Joyce HelenGail Kizer
, TX Tuesday, January 18, 2011 I met Mrs. Myhand and Mary Jo when I was attending A&M (now UAM). Since then I have been associated with her through my work. She was such a lovely person, always smiling and eager to talk with me. She will really be missed.Patsy Jordan
, AR Tuesday, January 18, 2011I'll always remember her on our trip to New York--such a fine, caring person.
I know you will really miss her, and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Paige (Hill) Stell
Monticello, AR Monday, January 17, 2011 My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time. Mrs. Myhand was a very sweet and loving person, I know she will be greatly missed.Love, John, Paige (Hill), Jayson, Colt, Brad, Jake and Jared Stell
Peggy Wiliams
Monticello, AR Monday, January 17, 2011 Mary Jo & family, so sorry to hear about your Mother, she was one very special lady that will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, may God bless and comfort each of you. Peggy WilliamsThe Larry Johnson family and Mrs. Valeto Carter
Hamburg, AR Monday, January 17, 2011 Mary Jo and family, we are sadened for your loss. Your family has always been dear to ours. You and I have been so blessed to have had them in our lives for so many years. You are in our prayers and may God comfort and let you feel his presence during the times ahead.Dennis Wells
Springdale, AR Monday, January 17, 2011 Sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you in my prayers. Dennis WellsToni(oakes) Garrison
Monticello, AR Monday, January 17, 2011 Prayers go out to your family during this hard time!! Mrs. Myhand was my 1st grade teacher and she made such an impact on my life at such an early age. Thank you for being such a wonderful influance!!!Sarah Blackmon
Monticello, AR Sunday, January 16, 2011 You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of loss. I know that you are thankful for the many years you had her in your lives, but it is never long enough, and I know you will miss her dearly.Judy Vernor
Arkadelphia, AR Sunday, January 16, 2011 Ms. Mary Jo,My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family at this sad time. Mrs. Myhand was a real sweetheart. I know she will be greatly missed.
Walker Ross
Monroe, LA Sunday, January 16, 2011 I was very sorry to hear of a dear friend, Mrs JoAn. I have many fond memories of her, as she was very close to my parents, Lamar & Irma Ross.I know she will be greatly missed in the Sunday School class at Rose Hill chruch.
It is comforting to know she is with all her loved ones who passed before her.
Marsha Loyd
Austin, TX Sunday, January 16, 2011 Mary Jo, Michelle and Billy,My sympathy goes out to you on the loss of a wonderful dearing Lady. I will always remember the fun times I had as a guest in Mrs. Myhand's home and enjoying her cooking. May God Bless You.
Love, Marsha
Lela Carter
Wilmar, AR Sunday, January 16, 2011 We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs.Joan Myhand. Our prayers go out to the family.Susan Smith
Little Rock, TX Saturday, January 15, 2011 I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Myhand. I have so many wonderful memories teaching with her at W.C. Whaley many years ago. She helped me so much when I first arrived. Her gentle and calm manner was so comforting.My prayers go out to all the family of this wonderful, sweet lady.
Ruth Hunter
Wilmar, AR Saturday, January 15, 2011 Mary Jo and family:What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.
With love,
Ruth