of Houston, TX
October 7, 1925 - April 22, 2011
Joan Olivia Gardner Chronister, 85, passed away in her sleep on Friday, April 22. A long-time resident of Searcy and Little Rock, she had been living at Parkway Place in Houston, Texas since February, 2010.
Ms. Chronister was born on Wednesday, October 7, 1925 in Fort Worth, Texas to Bernice Harkin Gardner and Hunter Everett Gardner. She graduated from Texas Christian University in 1945, where she met and later married Floyd (Zeke) Chronister, her husband of 60 years. Together they funded an annual scholarship at their mutual alma mater. Joan and Zeke lived in Little Rock for eighteen years before moving to Searcy in 1967.
A lifetime supporter and enthusiast of all things musical, Joan was a member of the Little Rock Musical Coterie, Beethoven Club, and the Cantoria choral group, as well as a Life Member of Arkansas Federation of Music Clubs. She was an advocate for the Little Rock Symphony and sang in the choir of the First Baptist Church in Searcy for many years.
Ms. Chronister was on the board of Newhope Specialized Industries, a member of the 20th Century Club, the Baptist Health of Arkansas Auxiliary, and the American Association of University Women. Joan enjoyed travel and wintered in Arizona for years. She was an avid golfer and the Joan Chronister Memorial Golf Tournament is held annually at the Searcy Country Club.
Ms. Chronister is survived by her sister, Barbara Gardner Manly and husband Eugene D. Manly of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by some of her husband's siblings: Walter and Marjorie Chronister of Coffeyville, Kansas; Laura Chronister Shoemaker of Girard, Kansas; and George and Louise Chronister of Coffeyville, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd (Zeke) Chronister.
A memorial service, officiated by Reverend David Crouch, will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 9, 2011 in the chapel of the Oaklawn Cemetery Mausoleum in Searcy. Service arrangements entrusted to Roller-Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy.
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9 Condolence(s)
Lisa Augustine
Saturday, May 7, 2011
I met Ms. Chronister in 2009. She was a very special lady who deeply missed her husband. I enjoyed the memories she shared with me about her husband, travels, and golfing. I thought of her often after her move to TX. I know she is at peace now and she will always have a special place in my heart. So thankful I got to know her.
Christie Finley
Friday, May 6, 2011
Mrs Joan was the sweetest lady I had the pleasure of being her hairstylest for many years she was always so full of life and always a smile on her face she will be missed by all that knew her
Daisy Henry
Friday, May 6, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Chronister's family, she was a wonderful person and will be missed by all that knew her.
Ruth Browning
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Joan and I knew each other thru membership in American Association of University Women and later just University Women Affiliated here in Searcy. She was a sweet lady and always ready to serve in any way she was needed.
carla farmer
Monday, May 2, 2011
I always loved playing in her golf tournement in searcy .Joan was a beautiful woman,great lady and fun to be with.
I was also a member of 20th century with her. I will miss her
carla
Matt Oppenheim
Monday, May 2, 2011
My family and I lived next door to the Chronisters until I was eight years old. I have fond memories of helping them in their garden, riding on Zeke's tractor, or rummaging through Mrs. Chronisters junk drawer in her kitchen. After we moved, they stayed in touch with me and brought me back to Searcy to visit, took me fishing on the Little Red and sent me a birthday and Christmas card every year. My thoughts and prayers go out to sister Barbara and the family and friends who were close to this very special and sweet person.
Matt Oppenheim
Mary Lynn Nelson
Sunday, May 1, 2011
My prayer and thought are with Joan's family during this sad time.Joan was a beautiful lady and a giving member of 20th Century club .
Martha McKelvey
Sunday, May 1, 2011
It was a joy to have know Joan. I sang with Joan with the 12 Cantorias - when we rehearsed, sang for performances and always had lunch at the Art's Center in Little Rock.
Brenda Ashmore
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Joan was a beautiful and gracious lady. She will
be missed by everyone in the 20th Century Club. My
thoughts and prayers are with her family at this very
sad time in their life.