Joyce Nell Tolleson

Joyce Nell Tolleson, age 89, of Kirby, went to her Heavenly Home on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

She was born on August 24, 1937, in Amity. Joyce Nell was the daughter of Jesse Hubert Duren and Dimple Rose Eller Duren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joyce Bethel Tolleson; her two sisters, Dorothea Kersey and Linda Brewer; her brother, Harlan Duren; her son-in-law, Robbie Funderburk; her granddaughter, Jennifer Titus Patrick; and her loving brother and sisters-in-law.

Joyce Nell married the love of her life, Joyce Tolleson, on April 10, 1955. Together they were members at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church and dedicated their lives to serving God. She served as a clerk, Deacon's wife, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, and Ladies Auxiliary member and president. She had 56 years of perfect attendance, and her dedication wore the varnish off of her pew. She loved gardening and cooking. Most of all, she loved her kids and being Mamaw to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joyce Nell was a wonderful wife, mother, mamaw, and church member and will be missed by all who knew and loved her. 

She is survived by her three daughters and sons-in-law, Genene and Troy Titus of Smackover, Vicki and Jack Herring of Kirby, and Karen (Terry) Funderburk of Kirby; her grandchildren, Andrea and Cody Burdue, Alisha and Calvin Nichols, Melissa and Nick Robertson, Becky and Cody Stearman, and Cody and Kayla Funderburk; her great-grandchildren, Allie, Peyton, Austin, Abigail, Olivia, Sadie, Jackson, Dean, Garrett, Cain, and Luke; her brother and sister-in-law, Melvin and Lola Duren of Kirby; her sister, Brenda Barnes of Murfreesboro; and many loving nieces nephews, extended family members, friends, and her church family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests for donations to be made to Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church Missions Fund c/o Lori Johns, 29 Sawmill Ln, Amity, AR 71921.

Pallbearers will be Cody Funderburk, Lynn Tolleson, Mike Funderburk, Wes Johns, Greg Smith, and Derek Lynch.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Danny Walker.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel- Glenwood.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, with Bro. Jack Herring and Bro. Melvin Markham officiating. 

Interment will be held at Ebenezer Cemetery.