of Little Rock, AR
August 25, 1931 - January 13, 2023
Joyce Marie Pharis 91, of Little Rock, Ar. departed this life on Jan. 13, 2023, with her children by her bedside. Born on Aug. 25, 1931, in Carrollton, Ar. to Joe and Stella Fultz Davis.(deceased) Joyce spent her formative years in Alpena and Urbanette , Ar. Growing up during the Depression Era was difficult, the Davis Family managed to scrape out a living in the hills of Carroll County.
Joyce graduated from Berryville High School in 1950, and shortly thereafter married Ed Pharis on Dec 17, 1950. They were married until Ed's passing in Jan. of 2020. As newlyweds, Joyce and Ed resided in Colorado Springs, Co. Ed was deployed to Korea of that same year. Joyce stayed with her sister Willie in Nyssa, Oregon, working as a telephone operator.
When the Korean War ended, Joyce and Ed made their home in Berryville, Ar. Joyce devoted much of her early years to raising her three children, chairing women's church groups, and vacation Bible school. She was instrumental in founding a Head Start program for children in the early sixties.
At the age of forty, Joyce attended Harrison Vocational Technical School in Harrison, graduating with a degree in licensed practical nursing. While working at Carroll General Hospital as an LPN she went back to nursing school to earn her Registered Nursing degree, graduating at the top of her class. Primarily working in surgery Joyce was a proficient Nurse in all areas of the hospital. In 32 years of nursing Joyce forged many bonds with patients and friendships with coworkers.
Joyce adored the color red. Red nails, red lipstick, red begonias and hibiscus. She loved bright clothing, sparkling jewelry, and having her hair styled. Adding to this list is strong coffee, Chinese food, potato chips, fresh garden corn and tomatoes. She adored her faithful poodle, Jacques. Joyce looked forward to her yearly trips to Hawaii to visit her sister, Willie. She treasured the friendships she developed in Hawaii. Her new passion in later years was ballroom dancing. She became quite a good dancer! Needless to say her favorite TV show was ''Dances With the Stars''.
Family was the most important part of her life's accomplishments and her abiding faith in God, Joyce was an active member of the Berryville United Methodist Church. Preceding her in death are her husband Ed, and her beloved grandson, Phillip Howard. She was also preceded by her sisters, Drue Collins, Eva Davis, Ina Mae Garland, and Willie McKinney. She was preceded by her twin brother Joy, and brothers Lester and Charley. Also preceding are several nieces nephews and cousins.
Left to cherish her memory are daughter Janice Howard and husband John, of Berryville, Ar. ,sons Charles Pharis and wife Peggy of Little Rock, Harold Davis and wife Christine, of Fayetteville, Ar. Granddaughter in law Kala Wilson Howard of Green Forest, Ar. , granddaughter Sarah Abercrombie, and sister in law Joanne Davis( Charley) of Berryville. Also several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family wishes to offer our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of ICU South at Baptist Medical Center, Little Rock, helping to make our mother's last days dignified and comfortable.Thank you to the loving and caring staff at The Manor and Evelyn her hairdresser.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 4, at 11 o'clock at the Berryville United Methodist Church. Visitation and a reception will immediately follow the service in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Mercy Health Foundation, 214 Carter Street, Berryville , Ar. 72616
Arrangements are under the direction of Roller Chenal Funeral
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17 Condolence(s)
Connie Simkins Atchley
Sunday, February 19, 2023
I worked with Joyce at Carroll General/Mercy Berryville. She was a beautiful, funny, and hard-working lady. I admired her confidence. Joyce was detail-oriented and dedicated, yet, she was patient and tolerant of minor inconveniences. I admired her and loved her love of life.
Renee Zeigler Parton
Monday, February 6, 2023
I graduated with Joyce and Charles from RN school at NACC (now NAC). She was always so lovely and so knowledgeable. Charles, you and your family are in my prayers â¤ï¸
Candy Cloud
Friday, February 3, 2023
So sorry to miss this. She was always a joy to see at church, and always looking so pretty. God bless your family during this time of loss.
jo ann langhover
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
God Bless you Joyce and thank you for all the guidance and help that you gave us.
Glen Lusby
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Charles, so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Elizabeth Kuncl
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Condolences to family members. I had the pleasure of working with Joyce at the Berryville hospital for years. What a dedicated and caring nurse and person.
Kristy Noble -Tesch
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
I had the pleasure of working with Joyce at the Berryville hospital for many years. Not only was she an excellent and compassionate nurse, she was just a classy lady. Many memories! Lifting the family up in prayer.
Nancy Chafin
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
My condolences to the family of Joyce. We worked together many years at the hospital. She was a delight to work with and I will treasure my memories with her
Angela Woolsey
Monday, January 23, 2023
I had the pleasure of working with Joyce while scheduling surgeries over the years for Dr.Warner and Dr.Flake. I also took line dancing/ballroom lessons at North AR College with her. So many memories!! She was always so nice to me. Loved her!!
Roger and Belinda Howerton
Monday, January 23, 2023
Joyce and family. Sending you love and prayers. Joyce was a sweet sweet lady.
Debbie Mayes
Sunday, January 22, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss! She was always very kind to me, and a wonderful neighbor to my parents!
Wilma Gibson Villines
Sunday, January 22, 2023
Janice & Harry, so saddened to hear of the passing of your Mother.......always a very Special lady. Sending Love & Prayers to you & the family .
Annette Dean
Saturday, January 21, 2023
Joyce was an amazing nurse, coworker, supervisor & friend.
Connie Edmondson Kriesel
Saturday, January 21, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about your sweet momma's passing. She was a very sweet and wonderful lady and wonderful nurse. Praying for you Janice and your families. Much love and prayers.
Kimberly Kesner
Saturday, January 21, 2023
She was always so sweet to me and my family.â¤ï¸ðŸ˜ž
Carolyn M Bosshardt
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
I was fortunate to work with Joyce for many years at Carroll General/Mercy Hospital Berryville. She was a wonderful nurse, mentor and friend. I learned so much from her. Prayers for all the family,
Chris and Gretchen Coven
Sunday, January 15, 2023
Our deepest condolences to all of the Pharis family