of Bee Branch, AR
April 16, 1936 - January 29, 2020
Joy Ann (Smith) McKnight, of Bee Branch, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at home on January 29, 2020, after battling Alzheimer's Disease for more than eight years. She was born on April 16, 1936 in Alto, Texas. Joy was the second of eight children born to Halbert and Lucille (Marshall) Smith.
As a high school senior, she moved to Bee Branch, met Jamie McKnight and fell in love. They were married for more than 38 years when he died in an accident. She was a devout Christian, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. Joy was blessed to live a long, exciting, full, and happy life.
Joy is preceded in death by her parents, husband, sons; Jim and Jeff, daughter, Jackie, brothers; Dale, Randy, and Charlie.
She is survived by her children; JoAnne (E.J.) of Fort Worth, Texas, Jill (Paul) of Bee Branch, Arkansas, Jack (Rebel) of Greenbrier, Arkansas, sisters; Pat Thomas of Waxahachie, Texas, Jan Florez of Nogales, Arizona, brothers; Roy (Sandra) Smith of Bee Branch, Arkansas, Hal (Liz) Smith of Winchester, Virginia, sisters-in-law; Mary Alice Smith of Lawrence, Kansas, Anna Jean Thomas of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, Judy McKnight of Conway, Arkansas, Judy (John) Thornton of Fayetteville, Arkansas, brothers-in-law; Fred (Frieda) McKnight of Pineville, Louisiana, Harold Dean McKnight of Bee Branch, Arkansas, Roger McKnight of Bee Branch, Arkansas, fourteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and many other family and friends.
Visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, February 2, 2020 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, February 3, 2020 at Pleasant Valley Church in Bee Branch. Interment will follow in Blackwell Cemetery, Bee Branch, Arkansas.
For online guestbook please go to www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton.
Although I haven't seen Joy for ten years or more, she will always have a place in my heart. She was a faithful friend, had the most positive attitude, and was an inspiration to so many. Always cheerful, Joy could make seemingly impossible situations into uplifting opportunities. She saw the best in people and overlooked their shortcomings, always ready to lend an empathetic ear and a warm hug. I was blessed to have known her, and I pray for God's strength and comfort for all of you, her beloved family and friends.
I'm so sorry to hear of your moms passing. She and my mom worked together years ago.My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Dear Family
I have known Joy for several years,,,such a sweet and loving person. May the Lord comfort you during this time. She will be missed...such a sweetie.
Jeanie Dunn McDaniel
Dear Family- So sorry for your loss. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
The last time I saw Mrs Joy was at Jeff's service, so glad I got a hug that day. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers!
Jill and family, we are so sorry for the loss of your mother. Just know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Phyllis loves y’all so much glad you have each other. Dena and Dewayne
My prayers are with y’all. I remember spending many days at her house when we were all younger. ðŸ™
So sorry for yalls loss great lady and family on both sides, will be remembered by so many for years to come, sorry could not make it yall will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Toad
So sorry to hear about Joys fight with Alzheimers Disease! It is not a fun time. Recalling all the times Joy helped with so many things while we worked together, with always a smile on her face. She will be missed.
My prayers are with the family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. She was a Sweet Sweet Lady.
Joy was a very special lady. We worked together at the Health Dept for years. I am very sad to hear of her passing. My prayers are with your family