Joyce Ellen Allen Vandivor

Joyce Ellen Allen Vandivor, passed away peacefully at her home in the early hours on Sunday, June 25, 2023. She was born on January 20, 1938 to the late Elmer Allen and Isabell Harriet Howell Allen in the Pine Snag community. She is reunited with her husband of 64 years, Leon, and her brothers and sisters, along with many friends that passed before her.
Joyce was the epitome of a strong Christian woman and her love for the Lord was evident in all areas of her life. She was a member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, in the Pine Snag community, where she supported Leon during his time as pastor, taught Sunday School, and blessed everyone who heard her sing. Hearing Joyce sing was like listening to the angels themselves. She was always available to lend a helping hand and welcomed all into her home. If you were lucky, there was a batch of Joyce's cinnamon rolls, fresh out of the oven.
After teaching at Benton, Missouri and Rector High School in Arkansas she taught English at Pangburn High School for 14 years. Miss V had a way of bringing out the best in every student, whether they thought they were capable or not. She provided an exceptional education while caring about each of the often-hard-headed teenagers she had the task of teaching.
After retiring, Joyce spent every possible moment with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, insisting on watching over them. Her pride was evident when she spoke of them, and she kept their photos proudly displayed in her home.
The Arkansas Razorbacks were one of Joyce's passions. She attended football and basketball games with her sister, Barbara, and they watched baseball games together on TV. Her home was full of Razorback décor and she even asked everyone to call the Hogs at Barbara's memorial service.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Leon, her parents, three sisters and two brothers, Imogene Allen Richardson, Betty Thompson, Elmer Dale Allen, Barbara (Steve) Allen Jones and Kenneth Lloyd Allen.
Joyce is survived by her son, Russ (Shellie) Vandivor, her daughter, Maury (David) Lyons; grandchildren, Cameron (Amber) Vandivor, Paige (Rob) Rogers, Tyler Irwin, Jordan (Austin) James, and Zahn (Sidnie) Crider; great-grandchildren, Zeke and Carson Vandivor, Reagan and Steven Rogers, Graysin and Savannah Irwin, Seth Anthony and Elizabeth "Izzy" James, and Zaylee and Zander Crider.
She is also survived by four sisters, Bonna Rhea Moller of Prosser, Washington, Annette Allen Martin of Hattieville, Arkansas, Janelle Allen Colvin and June Allen Weaver, both of the Pine Snag community and one brother, Max Allen, also of Pine Snag.
The pallbearers are Rob Rodgers, David Lyons, Austin James, Zahn Crider, Cameron Vandivor and Greg Allen. Honorary pallbearers are Max Allen, Jerry Richardson and Tyler Irwin.
Funeral service will be Wednesday, June 28 at 2:00 pm at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 pm prior to the service. The interment will be at Goodsprings Cemetery in Heber Springs.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com