ARKADELPHIA — Clara Jean Joiner,

age 85, of the DeGray Community near Arkadelphia, died Saturday, February 6, 2021, at her home. She is survived by her son, Bruce Joiner (Jolene); and her daughter, Sharon Hearnsberger (Terry). She is preceded in death by her husband, Wallace Joiner and daughter, Cathy Bell.

Miss Clara, as she was known to many in the community, was born May 15, 1935, in Tyronza, Ark., to the late Brodie and Lorene Bivens. The story goes that the mother of her future husband (5months old at the time) delivered her. As infants, they would lay side by side and were together their entire life until Wally passed away in 2013. They graduated together in 1953, and enjoyed attending the annual class reunions if they were able. Her nickname to their classmates was “Classie”. Wally joined the Marines, and she became a Marine wife in 1954 dedicating the next 28 years to supporting Wally’s military career and their three children. Her military extended family has been a blessing even today and she loved going to the Marine Corps Air Transport annual reunions. They say “once a Marine always a Marine” but for Miss Clara, once A Marine wife always a Marine wife.

Clara enjoyed sewing, crafting, crocheting, bird watching and sharing these loves with her kids too.

Greatma, as she was known by all her kids, is also survived by ten grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 10 until 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 10, at Cedar Grove Baptist Church. Services will follow at 11:30 a.m., at the church with burial to follow at DeGray Cemetery. Her grands and great-grands will serve as pallbearers and honorary pallbearer. Memorials may be made to DeGray Cemetery Fund, c/o Joyce Bledsoe, 150 Bledsoe Rd., Arkadelphia, Ark., 71923, or to MCATA Scholarship Fund, 7324 Brady Oaks Dr., Ft Worth, Texas, 76135, or to Cedar Grove Baptist Church, 825 Cedar Grove Rd., Arkadelphia, Ark., 71923.

Online register available at: www.ruggleswilcox.com