Mary Joyce Ring

Mary Joyce "Joy" Ring, age 85, of Walnut Ridge, died October 23, 2025.
Joy was born in Grange, AR. She attended Cave City Schools, graduating in 1957. She studied at Arkansas College in Batesville (Lyons College) earning a degree in 1961 and the University of Mississippi with a MBE degree in 1964.
Joy was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth P. and Adelaide Christenberry Ring. She is survived by five younger siblings; Earl (Mary) Ring of Houston, TX, Roberta Hutchison of Cave City, Linda Ring of Cave City, Wilma (Robert) Richter of Little Rock, and Ivetta (Harry) Black of Oklahoma City, OK, and by nieces and nephews.
Joy dedicated her life to her Christian faith and education. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Walnut Ridge. She taught at Mammoth Spring, AR, for 4 years and Williams Baptist University for 50+ years. The Joy Ring Student Success Center was dedicated in her honor in 2015. Her hobbies included quilting, reading, feeding the birds, yardwork and playing the piano and organ.
The family would like to thank the staff at Lawrence Hall Health and Rehabilitation for their excellent care provided during Joy's stay there, and the care she received from Legacy Hospice.
A memorial service and burial will be held at a later date. In accordance with her dedication to education, she donated her remains to the University of Arkansas Medical Center's Anatomical Gift Program.
Memorials can be made to Williams Baptist University,56 McClellan Dr., Walnut Ridge, AR 72476, or your favorite charity.