Joyce Ann Rose

Joyce Ann Rose, age 81, of Walnut Ridge, passed away peacefully on Oct. 21, 2024, after a lengthy battle with MDS.

She was born Dec. 12, 1942, in Alexander City, Ala., to Melvin and Anna Burmell Parker. She married the love of her life, Gary Rose, in October 1962, who preceded her in death in 2009.

She was raised in eastern Arkansas, graduating from West Memphis High School at the age of 16. She was crowned Miss West Memphis and competed in the Miss Arkansas pageant. She attended Arkansas State, where she was a member of AOII and a member of the band that had the privilege of marching in the inauguration parade of John F. Kennedy.

After graduating college, she spent over 40 years in education, teaching in several schools, but predominantly at Walnut Ridge Public Schools, where she served as math teacher, middle school principal and high school counselor.

It was in her role as counselor that she touched and impacted many lives throughout the years. She also helped establish the Quiz Bowl program at WRHS, and later served as moderator on the regional and state level, and served as state board member.

She had many loves in her life, but the greatest was her family. She enjoyed spending time with family attending as many activities as she could, first those of her children, then grandchildren and most recently great-grandchildren. She loved watching sports and this certainly included attending as many sporting events as she could in which her family was participating.

She loved others just as much, which included her church family, former students, colleagues and community. She was a long time and faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Walnut Ridge, serving on many church committees, and was a faithful member of its chancel choir. She shared her beautiful voice not only as a member of the church choir but also as a soloist, and also participated in the Northeast Arkansas Chorale and was a member of the local Schubert Club. Her love of singing and performing also led her to participate in several Front Street Theater performances. Joyce also had a love of reading. She participated for many years in a local book club.

Joyce had a servant heart. As a school counselor for many years, she served many students by offering wise counsel, support and encouragement. She participated in many local community groups and was twice recognized as Lawrence County Woman of the Year. After retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her sister and members of the Posse travel group from eastern Arkansas. She traveled all over the U.S., as well as to other countries. In each location she was likely to meet someone she knew.

Joyce is survived by her son, Steve (Tracy) Rose of Conway; daughter, Dina Rose (James) of Walnut Ridge, brother, Dana (Adonna) Parker of West Memphis; sister, Judy (Jim) French of Dover; brother-in-law, Gary Austin (Dean) of Plano, Texas; sister-in-law, Donna Austin of McKinney, Texas; and mother-in-law, Wanda Rose of McKinney, Texas; five grandchildren, Ashley (Caleb) Taylor, Adam (Vanessa) Hufstedler, Clay Hufstedler, Heather Rose and Lauren Rose; five great-grandsons, Ty, Abel, Jase, Grayson and Anson; and a host of cousins and other relatives.

In addition to her parents and husband Gary, she was preceded in death by her great-grandson, Parker.

Visitation was held Thursday, Oct. 24, and funeral Friday, Oct. 25, at the First United Methodist Church in Walnut Ridge. Donations in memory of Joyce Rose may be made to the Walnut Ridge First United Methodist Church.