Belva Joyce Johnson Hipps, age 82, of the DeGray Community, passed from this life on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at Arkansas Hospice in Little Rock. She was born October 5, 1939, in Gorman, TX, the daughter of the late Willie “Pitt” and Mildred Johnson Johnson. Belva was retired from the Clark County Collector’s Office, Assessor’s Office and a Clerk for the District Court of Clark County. She was a member of DeGray Baptist Church. Belva volunteered for the hospital auxiliary for over ten years. She enjoyed square dancing, flower gardening and trips to Branson in her free time. Belva was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Don Johnson and one nephew, Steve Johnson.

Survivors are her husband, Gary Hipps of DeGray, one son, Michael Hipps (DeAnn) of DeGray, one daughter, Pam Bennett (Paul) of Hope, four grandchildren, Joshua Paul Bennett, Brandie Bridges, Amy Morrison and Trey Bledsoe, and five great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 22, 2022, at DeGray Baptist Church with Pastor David Young officiating.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at DeGray Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to the DeGray Cemetery Fund.

Pallbearers are Ray Smith, Nicki Thomason, Kevin Hipps, Trey Bledsoe, Brady Garner, John Reeder and Scott Birdwell.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.  Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.