Joyce Jean Reed

Joyce Jean (Payne) Reed of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, on Sunday, January 13, 2019 in Waldron. Joyce was born August 7, 1951, in Waldron, Arkansas to Janice Morgan Payne and Robert Lee Payne. Joyce was 67 years, 4 months, and 6 days old.

Joyce graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School, Houston, Texas, May 1969. Joyce earned two college degrees from Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas: Bachelor of Science in Education 1978 and Master of Education in Reading K-12 1980. Joyce taught middle school level social studies, reading, and science at Waldron Middle School from 1978 until her retirement in 2013. Joyce loved her students and was passionate about not only their education but also about their happiness and success, and they dearly loved her in return. Joyce retired in 2013 but soon realized how much she missed teaching, so she accepted a job at the Alternative Learning Academy in Jessieville School District. Joyce retired once again in 2017.

Joyce served many years as a foster parent and was recognized with the 1994 Arkansas Foster Parent of the Year award. Joyce was named the 2002 Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year for Scott County. Joyce’s greatest award, however, was the love and respect that her many students hold for her. Additionally, Joyce will always be remembered for her love of make-up, perfume, jewelry, handbags, and shoes.

Joyce is survived by her mother, Janice Rogers of Waldron, her beloved son Donald and his wife Pam of Waldron, her grandchildren Brandi Ridenhour of Mansfield and Keaton Brown of Waldron. Joyce is also survived by one great-granddaughter, Ashton Nevills of Mansfield.

Joyce was a member of Mena Freewill Baptist Church and a faithful follower of the Harvest Church in Waldron.

Joyce was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Richard and Clara Morgan, and by her brother, Bobby Leo Payne.

Joyce’s life celebration will be Thursday, January 17, 2019 beginning with visitation from 2:00 until 4:00 followed by the Memorial Service at 4:00 at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Donnie Jewel and Bobby Cagle officiating the service. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.