Joyce Merlynn Parish

Joyce Merlynn Parish, 81, a resident of Gentry, Arkansas, passed away on August 18, 2025. She was born in Oklahoma City, OK, on November 11, 1943, to Merlyn and Bernice. Joyce was feisty and kind, with a love for life. She had a big heart and was a foster parent for over 30 years for 97 children. Joyce enjoyed cooking, gardening, and listening to gospel music. She was also a member of the Springtown Seventh-day Adventist Church. But most of all, Joyce loved to be with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and friend whose memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Merlyn Zumwalt and Bernice (Weaver) Saunders. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, John Martin Parish of the Home; children, Jena Michelle Krein and husband Robert of Gentry, AR, and John Michael Parish and wife Geannine of Gentry, AR; grandchildren, Amanda Krein, Bethany Jenks, Carmen Puryear, Kevin Parish, and Megan Parish; and great-grandchildren, Leela Puryear, Lincoln Puryear, and Adelaide Krein-Brown. There will be no services at this time.