BENTONVILLE — Joan Clanton Almand

died on January 1, 2023, surrounded by family. She was 88 years old. She was born on November 20, 1934, on the family farm in Jacket, Mo., to Lora (Banks) and Henry Otis Clanton.

In 1952, she married Troy Lee Almand and reared four children in Bentonville, Ark. Joan followed God’s greatest commandment, to love God and all people. She served humbly and abundantly, taking meals, boxes of food and clothing to those in need. She also wanted people to know God’s love and his promise by extending invitations to church. She believed that teaching about God began at birth. With her gentle demeanor she taught her children and beloved grandchildren about Bible stories and led by her example. She made Bible study come alive in Sunday School, VBS and as a Green Valley camp counselor. She was humbled to be a “Weigh Down” teacher to her fellow church members who struggled with weight as well as being a Ron Willingham Certified Women’s Leadership Trainer. Her commitment to family was her greatest joy, which was illustrated by being a PTA member, homeroom mother, 4-H parent-leader, camp Mom – where her children were, Joan was there. Joan was much more than a “stayat-home Mom”. She was the official Almand Tile “showroom girl” and assisted with all aspects of the tile business.

In her later years, she continued to minister to people by sending cards to a prayer partner list and to her large family (always including a scripture reference) making sure the recipients were always reading the Bible! She truly loved playing the piano, sewing, embroidering, cooking and baking. She loved spending time with her dear friends from church and especially enjoyed Wednesday night church dinners. For Joan, food and love went hand in hand. Of course, holding hands with her beloved Troy was her favorite past time.

She is preceded in death by her six older siblings and two grandchildren Lora McGee and Tanner Almand.

She is survived by daughter, Deborah McGee (John); son, Timothy Almand; daughter, Janice Joby ( Jonathan Cole), Rhonda French (Harrison); grandchildren, Wesley McGee, Dovie Streeter, Tyler Almand, Lindsay Mitchell, Tana Almand, Tayton Almand, Jason Lee, Samantha Huff, Kristin Laizure, Caleb Cowan, Hannah Peterson, Emma Sloane, Carolina Minervini; great-grandchildren, Josiah, Anna Ruth, Noah, Silas, Isaiah, Grace and Lydia McGee Little, Ava, Collin and Henry Little, Sadie and Callie Huff, Avery and Alyson Lee, Ellie and Lucy McElyea, Timber, Tinsley and Tayleigh Almand, Bentley and Caden Smiley, Glen Walker and Madelyn Mitchell, and Harvey Sloane.

A visitation will be Thursday, January 5, 2023, from 10-11 a.m., at Bentonville Church of Christ with funeral to follow at 11 a.m. She will be buried at Antioch Cemetery, which is on the old family farm where she was born.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Green Valley Bible Camp, www.greenvalleybiblecamp.com. Online condolences at www.callisonloughfh.com.