With a heart full of faith, Joyce Lucille Hankins Lindsey returned to the Lord on May 17, 2025, at the age of 85. Joyce was born on March 2, 1940, at Crooked Creek, Arkansas, to Ross and Virgie Hankins.
She graduated from Harrison High School in 1958 and then attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. After college, Joyce returned to Harrison, where she grew to be an active member of the business community, leading several entrepreneurial ventures including St. John’s Episcopal Day Care, Continental Auto Supply, J’s Outlet, and a real estate business. She also served as a Director of the Harrison Chamber of Commerce. Eventually, Joyce retired to Russellville, Arkansas, where she was active at First United Methodist Church. At church and beyond, Joyce did her best to make sure everyone she knew had enough to eat. She found many ways to share the love of God through her words and deeds.
In her free time, Joyce enjoyed reading, gardening, bird watching, and painting. She was diligent about exercising her right to vote, and she was happy to tell you how to vote if you asked. Chances are you know Joyce, since she never met a stranger.
Joyce is survived by her sister, LeBeta Yeager and leaves behind five children: Roy Beth Kelley, Suzette Noble, Matthew Lindsey, Michael Lindsey, and John Mark Lindsey. She was also blessed with twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren (with a seventh on the way).
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 22 at 10 am at First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Russellville. She will be buried near the Buffalo River and among her beloved ancestors at Shaddox Cemetery, Pruitt, Arkansas, at 2 pm that day. In lieu of flowers, the family requests books be brought for donation to the Manna House Food Pantry. (New or gently used for all ages).
Donations to the church will also be accepted in Joyce’s memory.