of Elaine, AR

November 8, 1948 - May 30, 2025

Joan Cravens was born November 8, 1948 to Blan H. Williamson Jr. and Lucille Wyatt Williamson. I bet they were surprised to see her twin, George, accompanying her.

Joan was joined by her two running buddies, Patricia Pearrow and Linda Kaye Loeschner, as they attended school at Snow Lake in Mellwood and graduated from Elaine High School in 1966.

On October 22, 1966, Joan married discharged Army veteran, Gery Cravens. She may not have known better, but the two loved each other very much. She followed her husband and his restaurant ventures throughout the South, through regions with many mosquitoes and places with few, before settling down back in Elaine to start a family.

She went on many mission trips. Joan enjoyed serving the Lord and her community. On these mission trips, she spread the word of God through several nations, including Russia, Uruguay and Mexico, to name a few. She also started a home Bible Study in Elaine. Joan's faith was very important to her.

In her golden years, Joan maintained a garden with her many flowers and went on calm walks with her good friend, Betty. She played an active role in leading the household, serving as a beacon of positivity and guidance for her family.

In her later life, Joan entered hospice care. As a result of the valiant efforts of her skilled caregivers, Polly, Janet, Sandra, Anne, and the team at Elite Hospice, she was able to stay at home with her husband. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on May 30, 2025.

Leaving behind her husband of 58 years, Gery; sons, Tommy and Michael; grandsons, Landon (Destinee), Conner, Asher and Camden; great granddaughter, Averie; great grandson, Creed; brother, George (Elizabeth) and Richard; host of nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Blan and Lucille Williamson, Jr.; Blan III (Cheryl); many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Joan was a blessing to everyone she met. A daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and even great-grandmother, her passing will be deeply mourned. However, she is in a better place now and is with God. We need not spend time dwelling in sadness when we can embrace the joy and light of her memory.

A funeral service for Joan Carol Cravens will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Elaine Baptist Church in Elaine, Arkansas. A visitation will be held prior to the service at 10:00 a.m., also at Elaine Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in West Helena, Arkansas. Brother Luke Watson and Brother Larry Cravens will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Mike Cole, Landon Cravens, Conner Cravens, Asher Cravens, Leon Parker, Josh Williamson Jr. and Camden Cravens.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Clay Harper and Luther Rogers.

Services will be directed by the staff of Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)-572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
508 East Plaza Street
West Helena, AR  72390
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com