JOY LEA McPHERSON,

72, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away on Saturday, January 09, 2021. She was born on February 16, 1948, in Little Rock to the late Hayward Denver and Lavodia Rochelle Jones.

Joy was a very active member in her community and played several roles. She was a teacher for 30 years for Pulaski County Special School District. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Lavaca. Also, she served as a member for Arkansas Education Association, National Education Association and past member of Pulaski Association of Classroom Teachers (PACT) where she served in several capacities. Joy earned a citizenship award through the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR). She was also awarded “Teacher of the Year” at Jackson Elementary School and awarded “Who’s Who of American Teachers.”

Her personal enjoyments were fishing, camping, and gardening, which she loved to spend time doing.

She is survived by her stepson, Jerry McPherson; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Thomas D. Jones; very special nieces and nephews, Carl Hayward Ray, Doris Jean Reynolds, Diana J. Weaver, Donna Webber and Dixie Jones; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Clifford McPherson; stepson, Steven J. McPherson; brother Robert D. Jones; sister, Jean Ray Sears; and nephew, Jimmy Ray.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 13, at 1 p.m., at Roller-Owens Funeral Home in North Little Rock. A visitation will be held one-hour prior to services. A graveside service will follow at Walters Chapel Cemetery in Carlisle. Due to COVID restrictions, all attendees are required to provide and wear their own masks. Online Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.