Fannie "Louise" Joyce

Fannie Louise Joyce (Barber), 95, passed on September 18, 2021.  She was born on December 26, 1925 in Newark, Arkansas to C.O. and Willie Barber. She had six brothers and three sisters. She was predeceased by Ben Joyce (husband), David Oscar Joyce (infant son), and Andy Joyce (grandson).

She is survived by her three sons, Ron Joyce (Molly) of Hot Springs, Dan Joyce (Lisa) of Little Rock and Alan Joyce (Susan) of Goodlettsville, TN.; and four grandchildren, Geoff Maxey, Zach Joyce, Jennifer Joyce Barton and Greg Joyce. She also had four loving great-grandchildren, Baylee and Hayden Barton, Tristan and Caleb Maxey; and her brother, Jim Barber of Little Rock.

She grew up as Fannie Barber, in a small home with a large family and lots of love. She worked the farm with her family while attending a one room schoolhouse. She dearly loved her siblings and later, all her nieces and nephews.

Around 1944, she moved to Little Rock and became Louise, working as an operator for Bell Telephone Company, while living with her sisters. One sister, Polly, had a blind date with a guy named Benny. Polly wasn’t there, but Louise was, and she met her future husband, Benjamin Albert Joyce. They married on July 27, 1946.

She was funny, friendly, easygoing and entertaining. A loving mother, active in raising three boys as a Den Mother and Franklin Elementary PTA. On Halloween, dressed as a witch, she rode her broom down the school halls with a cackling laugh.

Louise loved antiquing with friends. She was a founding member of Little Rock’s Trash n’ Treasures Antique Club.

She was phenomenal in her kitchen and her recipe box was like gold. She made every meal shared a special one and her holiday baking was beyond compare.

Louise was talented at many hobbies and crafts- crocheting, quilting, decoupage and macramé. In the 90’s, she was the pretty half of Ben and Lou’s Country Woodcrafts. Ben sawed and sanded. Louise perfectly painted them. It was a wonderful time for them, meeting new friends at craft shows.

She also had a green thumb, nursing various plants. She was thrilled when the newspaper did an article on her night blooming moonflower plant.

Louise’s “happy place” was on her large front porch with a visiting friend or relative.

On July 27, 1996, friends and family gathered for Ben and Louise’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. She later described it as “the happiest day of my life.”

The family would like to thank everyone at Briarwood Nursing & Rehab for their considerate care.

Memorials may be made to www.ArkansasFoodBank.org .

Arrangements handled by Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court, Little Rock. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 23 from 4-6 p.m. at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held Friday, September 24 at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by interment at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Online guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.