Joyce Slater

Joyce Fern Slater of Harvey, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior surrounded by her family Saturday, January 5, 2013 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Joyce was born July 9, 1943 in Waldron, Arkansas to Joe Franklin and Martha Jane (Hall) Mercer. Joyce was 69 years, 5 months, and 27 days old. Joyce was a member of the Story Church of God. Even though Joyce and Charles were both from Waldron, and only one month apart in age, they had never met before. After both moved to California, ironically they were introduced at a BBQ at a mutual friends. They began to date immediately. Charles decided to return to Arkansas only to continue a long distance relationship with Joyce. After correspondence by letter back and forth, Joyce boldly ask Charles if he was gonna marry her. His reply was "Of Course." To which she replied, "Then come get me"....so he did. They then married on August 16, 1962 and just celebrated 50 wonderful years together. Joyce loved to read, play video games, play cards as well as sew and quilt. However, her time with her family was her most treasured of all. Joyce leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband of 50 years, Charles Slater of the home; two daughters, Brookie Slater of Danville, Arkansas, Kelly King and husband, Robert of Danville, Arkansas. Nana will also be missed by her nine grandchildren, Austin Burrow, Cody Burrow, Hollie Morrow, Dakota Morrow, Eden King, Isabella Dombi, Heather King, Matthew Fleming, and Mason Slater. Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Joe Franklin and Martha Jane Mercer; one sister, Joann Mercer, and one brother, Loyd Mercer Joyce?s life celebration will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 10, 2013 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Joey Underwood, officiating. Interment will follow in the Lamb Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas. Joyce?s pallbearers will be Mark Slater, Lynn Slater, Mickey Slater, Frankie Inklebarger, Justin Hayden and Eddie Hayden. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeremy Wells and Robert King. Joyce?s visitation will be Wednesday January 9, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.