Nancy Joyce Boyster-Bristol

1955 - 2025

Nancy Joyce Bristol (née Boyster) claimed victory and her eternal home in the presence of our Lord on December 23, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the age of 70. Born on February 23, 1955, in Elaine, Arkansas between the banks of the Mississippi and the White River, she lived a life defined by love, kindness, generosity, resilience, and fierce devotion.

Joyce spent her primary school years in Clarendon, Arkansas, and later attended Marianna High School, before living in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas as a young adult. Her selfless spirit and work ethic were evident as a young mother of three sons when she owned and operated Turner’s One Stop in DeWitt, Arkansas - an innovative for the times service station, game room, bait shop, and high-volume U-Haul dealer. She later devoted herself to a lengthy career working in butcher shops in and around Memphis, Tennessee, while serving as matriarch to a burgeoning family.

Joyce had a deep love for the beach and cherished time spent with her family, enjoying the sea. After years of visiting the Gulf Coast, Joyce made Pensacola, FL her home for over 15 years. She regularly returned to Arkansas and Tennessee to visit and care for family, before recently relocating to Clarendon.

Joyce’s hands were never idle—sewing and embroidering gifts that spoke volumes of her thoughtfulness and love. Her handcrafted designs were not only beautiful and of high quality, but also deep personal expressions of her talent. She had an enduring love for animals and shared her home with many beloved dogs over the years - Tiny, Blu, Scooter, Penny, Benji, Bella, Bridgette, RJ, and others who brought companionship and joy to her life.

Joyce also loved music, particularly that of her favorite artists Alan Jackson, George Strait, and her all-time favorite group, Alabama. She had the pleasure of attending many concerts over the years, creating lasting memories.

Joyce’s love for her family was boundless. She was known for showering affection with a heartfelt “mwah”, followed by “big fat one” kisses. She was not just a mother or grandmother — she was “Mama” to her boys and their wives and “Mammaw” to her “Little Man”, “Sissy”, and anyone else who needed one.

Most important is Joyce’s love for Jesus Christ. Faith has been an unwavering constant throughout Joyce’s journey. Her steadfast belief and trust in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has provided strength through challenges and deep gratitude during moments of peace. Family and friends take comfort in knowing that Joyce is fully healed and dwells in the house of The Lord forever.

Joyce is lovingly remembered by her sons Randy Ray (Melina) Turner of Atoka, TN, Garry Wayne (Karen) Turner of Clarendon, and Timothy Allen Turner of Clarendon; grandchildren Austin Lee Turner of Atoka, TN, Brianna Turner (Spencer) Peck of Germantown, TN, and John Carleson; mother Ivy Mae Boyster of Covington, TN; brother George Edward (Jennifer) Boyster, III of Covington, TN; nephew Bradley (Melissa) Boyster of New Market, AL; niece Amanda Tutor of Covington, TN; aunt Alice (Vernon) Caldwell of Clarendon; uncle Eldon Dodson of Clarendon; cousin Michael Stanley of Almyra, AR; as well as extended family members and cherished friends.

Joyce joins in eternal rest her husband Theodore Bristol; father George Edward Boyster, Jr.; grandsons Cody Carleson and Trevor Turner; many beloved family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 PM on December 31, 2025, at Bob Neal and Sons Funeral Home in Clarendon, with graveside service to follow immediately afterward at Shady Grove South Cemetery in Clarendon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donation in Joyce’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society.