Joyce Elaine Sherman

HARRISON, Ark. — Joyce Elaine Sherman, 88, of Harrison, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, just five days shy of her 89th birthday. She was born on December 8, 1935, in Gladstone, Michigan, to Albina Smith.

Joyce graduated from Gladstone High School in 1953. She married Harold Sherman on June 13, 1956, at the Naval Chapel in Norfolk, Virginia. Joyce embraced life with an adventurous and vibrant spirit. In her youthful days, she and her husband embarked on the extraordinary journey of homesteading 155 acres in Wasilla, Alaska, during the early 1960s — a testament to her courage and determination. In 1981, Joyce and Harold moved to Harrison.

Joyce’s life was rooted in faith and community. For over 40 years, she was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church in Harrison, where her warm presence and steadfast faith touched many lives. She was also an avid bridge player, cherishing the camaraderie and friendships built around the card table.

Above all, Joyce was an incredible homemaker and a loving mother who took immense pride in nurturing her family. Her legacy is one of love, resilience, and a life well-lived.

As many of us know, the love we have for a grandparent is immense. We enjoy visiting them on holidays or receiving cards in the mail; but too few of us are blessed with their companionship day in and day out. Joyce’s eldest grandson, Bret, has been her companion, her caregiver, for many years. The family would like to thank Bret for his devotion and deepest love that he showed Joyce, giving her the gifts of encouragement and independence for this season of her life.

She is preceded in death by her mother; her husband, Harold Sherman; two brothers, Duane Smith and Ronald Smith; one sister, Sharon Johnson; and great-granddaughter, Eva Rose Sherman.

Joyce is survived by her son, Duane Sherman (Gail) of Willard, Missouri; five grandchildren, Allison Redman, Bret Sherman, Austin Sherman (Lizzie), Jenny Sare, and Callie Sare; two brothers, Thomas Smith (Faye Bopp) of Michigan and Jerry Smith (Arlene) of Florida; one sister, Maxine Farmer of New Jersey; brother-in-law, Dr. Carroll Sherman (Diana) of Texas; and many other family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at First United Methodist Church in Harrison with Rev. Angie Gage officiating, burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery under the direction of Holt Memorial Chapel.

Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m., prior to the service at the church.

Memorial may be made in Joyce’s honor to First United Methodist Church.

The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.HoltChapel.com.