Joyce Lynn Burns, age 76, of Arkadelphia entered the gates of Heaven into the arms of Jesus on Monday, October 30, 2023, at her home. She was born April 16, 1947, in Arkadelphia, the daughter of the late Clarence and Esther Howell.

Joyce was a 1967 graduate of Arkadelphia High School. She was a lifelong member of Third Street Baptist Church of Arkadelphia. Joyce worked for many years as the cafeteria manager for Goza Middle School and Arkadelphia High School. She was a friend to everyone she met and was loved by so many.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, James Christopher Burns, one daughter, Christi Lynn Burns, one Brother, Louis Howell, two sisters, Mary Dixon, and Vera Arnold.

Joyce is survived by her husband of fifty-seven years James ‘Jim’ Edward Burns, her daughter Sherry Shuler and her husband John of Arkadelphia, three sisters, Wanda McMahan of Friendship, Gracie Bunn of Arkadelphia, and Amanda Deaton of Butterfield, one special grandchild Carrie Chambers and her husband Charlie of Mt. Ida, and one great grandchild, Carter Chambers who was her sunshine.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday November 2, 2023, at Third Street Baptist Church with Bro Greg Latham and Bro Mike Kemper officiating. Visitation will be held at 1:00 PM until service time.

Burial will be in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers are Tony Bell, Mike Bell, Billy Bob Bunn, Jerry McMahan, Bill Rogers, and Mike Hasley.

Family request that everyone dress casual for the services. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Third Street Baptist Youth Scholarship fund P.O. Box 763 Arkadelphia AR, 71923.

The family would like to thank the Dr. Ali Mitchell and the nurses of Baptist Health Medical Center for their care during her recent hospital stay, The Elite Hospice team who took excellent care of her in her final weeks and her special caregiver Donna Martin.

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