Joy Jean Selby

Joy Jean Selby (1937-2025) passed away June 10, 2025 in Russellville, Arkansas from congestive Heart Failure complications. Both of her beloved daughters were present at her side.
A Pensacola, Florida native, she was the pride and joy of her parents Otto G. Johnson and Flora Bell Johnson (nee Steward). After graduation from Pensacola High School in 1955, Joy attended Sacred Heart School of Nursing completing her training in 1958. This began her long career in nursing providing compassionate care in Florida and South Dakota in many different capacities until she retired after 20 years of working for the South Dakota Department of Health. Her love of the nursing profession was evident by the communities she served. Joy provided support for a wide range of State programs and services including the Women, Infant, and Children Program and Senior Home Health Care Programs.
Joy married Lieutenant Paul F. Selby (from Parker, SD) at Immanuel Lutheran Church in 1960 and began her journey as a proud Naval Aviator's wife. After her husband's retirement from the Navy in 1976, the family moved to Parker, SD until 2003 when they both retired and made their final move back to Pensacola. There they enjoyed their retirement reconnecting with many retired military friends and Joy's family.
A devoted and loving mother, she took great pride in her daughters April and Kristin. She was always there for her girls throughout her life providing love, support, and guidance. She had a special relationship with each of her three grandchildren that will forever leave them with a lasting love of her hometown of Pensacola.
Joy was proceeded in death by her husband of 49 years, Paul F. Selby, Commander, USN, (Ret) and her parents Otto Gustav Johnson and Flora Bell Johnson (nee Steward). It is a great comfort knowing she is now reunited with her loved ones.
She is survived by her daughters and son-in-laws, April L Selby-Cole and Russell E. Cole (Holderness, New Hampshire), and Kristin Joy Bailey and Douglas L Bailey (Russellville, Arkansas); Her first cousin Rose "Bunny" Meadows (nee Waters) who was always like a sister; her grandson Russell W. S. Cole and his wife Janine M. Donnelly-Cole; Her granddaughters, Selby Lee Yates and her husband Alec Yates, and Elizabeth (Libby) Joy Bailey; Great Granddaughter Aurora J Cole. Her grandchildren will never forget the love she brought to their lives and the cherished memories they will keep in their hearts.
Joy will join her husband at Barrancas National Cemetery located on Naval Air Station Pensacola. Interment ceremony will take place on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 1030 am at Committal Shelter B.
Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle. Online Guest Book and Condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com