of Harrison, AR
October 6, 1932 - April 24, 2013
Joan Ray Whitmore (Joani) went home to be with her Lord on April 24th, 2013. She passed away at her home in Harrison with her husband of 56 years by her side. She was born at home in Clarendon, Texas, the daughter of Ray and Oleta (Mann) Moreman on October 6th, 1932.
Joan was the paramount example of a Proverbs 31 woman; always gracious, willing to serve others, and lovingly devoted to her husband and family.
Joan earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Music from North Texas State University. She was a pioneer in the area of music therapy and used her education to help special needs children in the community develop a love for music. She brought music with her wherever she went. She filled her home with it, she played at nursing homes, and taught piano lessons most of her life. For years, the Episcopal Church rang with the sound of her organ music on Sunday mornings.
Her love and desire for music to be in our community got her involved with the Northwest Arkansas Concert Association and the Apollo Music Club. Joan was passionate about her community and loyal to her country. She was involved with the Republican Women's Club.
She was married to Clifford Sims Whitmore, DVM, on Sept. 2nd, 1957 in Clarendon, Texas. They became residents of Boone County Arkansas in 1958.
She is survived by her husband Clifford Sims Whitmore of Harrison. Son Clifford Sims Whitmore II and wife Linda of Franklin, Tennessee. They have two daughters, Katherine and Jennifer Whitmore. Daughter Julia Lynn (Whitmore) Davies and husband John of Fredericksburg, Texas. They have a son Jacob Davies and daughter Jamye Davies. Son Mark Cameron Whitmore and wife Lisa of Harrison, Arkansas. They have daughters Cameron and Megan Whitmore; and they have a son Walker Whitmore. Joan has two brothers, Jack Moreman and wife Fredie Jo of Clarendon, TX and David Moreman and wife Evie of Front Royal, VA.
Visitation was Monday, April 29, 2013, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.
Her life was celebrated with services on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at CrossRoadsCommunity Church, with Rev. Johnny Walters speaking.
Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery following the services.
Cliff and Joan are members at CrossRoads Community Church. Memorials may be made to CrossRoadsc/o the building fund, 2658 Old Bergman Road, Harrison, AR 72601.
Joan was loved by her husband and adored by her children. She laughed easily, loved unreservedly, and she left this world a better place.
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18 Condolence(s)
Karen Bunch
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Dewayne, the boys, and I are holding all of you up in prayer. So many are better for knowing Joani and it is certain that heaven will be fuller for her obedience. What a wonderful spirit filled woman.
Conlee and Signa Bodishbaugh
Friday, May 3, 2013
We are flooded with wonderful, warm memories of being with Joani, Cliff, and the children in the '70s. What fun we had sharing what the Lord was doing in our lives, praying together, eating great meals together, and just being in awe of what God was showing us all! Those were formative times in all our lives and I'm sure none of us appreciated at the time how important they were. We are blessed to have known Joani and to have experienced her warmth, hospitality, humor, and sold-out lifestyle for Jesus! We send much love to Cliff, Clifford, Julie and Mark.
Virginia (Gipson) Pennington
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
I will never forget the time I spent with Joani as a young girl working with her at the nursing home doing music for the residents. I also remember so fondly the summer I spent with her taking piano lessons in exchange for helping her with her garden and household chores. She made a huge impact on my life.
Patricia Parks
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
I have fond memories of Joani in their home having some great get togethers with the "girls" sharing the word of the Lord and we so enjoyed her gift of music that she so freely shared with so many people.
Though she has departed to be with the Lord and the saints who was waiting to greet her on her day of promotion, she will always live in our hearts. Until we all meet again, "Joani.", we all thank the Lord for your life. Patricia (Pat) Parks
Cathy Harp Minor
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Very sorry about the passing of Mrs. Whitmore. She was a very sweet lady. I went to school with Julie, and spent the night a few times at their house. They are a very sweet family. Thoughts and prayers.
Karen Shaw
Monday, April 29, 2013
Dear Whitmore cousins,
Joan was such a sweet and very special person. The kids and I are saddened by the news of her passing. I still have such fond memories of her from the times years ago my folks and I spent there with you all. I just wish we lived closer so my kids could have gotten to know her better. She was always ready with positive words and a big smile, a smile that seemed to bubble up from an inner happiness that I know was from her deep faith. I thought the world of her. We are very sorry for your loss.
Dalah (Hunt) Elijah
Monday, April 29, 2013
Mark & Whitmore Family,
I was saddened to hear of the loss of your Mother. I have such wonderful & fond memories of her growing up @ Eagle Heights Elementary School. Joan was such a loving & caring Lady! Her & my Mother worked really close together in the PTA & accomplished a lot of positive things for the school. I know she has touched many lives & will be greatly missed by those that knew & Loved Her! I am so sorry for your loss but the Heavens are rejoicing as they gained another wonderful Angel...God Bless & be with you all with you loss.
Dalah (Hunt) Elijah
Nelda coffman
Monday, April 29, 2013
DEAR WHITMORE FAMILY ,SORRY FOR YOU LOSS.PRAYERS FOR PEACE AND COMFORT IN YOUR TIME OF NEED.NELDA STARKEY COFFMAN.
The Baxters
Monday, April 29, 2013
Dear Cliff and Linda, Katherine and Jennifer, and all the Whitmore family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I know Cliff's mom has left behind a beautiful legacy to each of her children and grandchildren. We celebrate her life here on this earth, and her eternal life she is now enjoying in heaven. Blessings of peace and hope to each of you as you walk through the season ahead.
Robin Clark Willis
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Whitmore Family: My prayers are lifted up for each of you as you grieve the loss of your wonderful Joanie. I have nothing but warm memories of Joanie and have always regarded her as one of the most Spirit filled women and I have ever known. Her gentleness and kindness have touched innumerable individuals and we can all know that His peace which surpasses all understanding now totally surrounds her. Robin Clark Willis
John and Marianne
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Cliff-
God bless you and your family. We hope you can celebrate the life of your mother and all your fondest memories of time with her. She sounds like an amazing lady-as exhibited through you and your family. You are in our prayers.
Pauline Coles
Friday, April 26, 2013
Dr. Whitmore, Cliff, Julia and Dr. Mark.--I know Mrs. Whitmore left some beautiful memories for you the family, her music students and many friends. Love and prayers go out to each of you.
Brenda Monson Roberts
Friday, April 26, 2013
Dr Whitmore, Cliff, Julie and Mark- I am sadded to see the passing of Joan. I always remember her beautiful smile when we all went to St. John's. I will keep all you in my prayers.
Dave Tichenor
Friday, April 26, 2013
Cliff: In reading your Mom's wonderful tribute it I am sure that she is well pleased with the legacy that she has left in her children. Your family with it's musical talent, and gentle, selfless demeanor speaks volumes about how you were raised in a loving home. It is so comforting that she is now able to perform now for our Lord and Savior in heaven as she did so many times in her church. God Bless you, Linda and the girls.
Pam Estes Rudkin
Friday, April 26, 2013
Dear family,
Mrs. Whitmore has always been one of the most beautiful people I ever knew. Her warmth and loving ways always made everyone around her feel loved. My many years as her piano student are some of the fondest of my life. I will always love her.
Tom Dent
Friday, April 26, 2013
Cliff;
I know the multi-layed emotions that come with the loss of a parent. My prayer is for grace for you and your family such that this can be a time of celebration of her life and contribution to the great husband, father, friend and leader you are. Although I did not know her, the legacy she leaves in you and no doubt others speaks volumes.
Prayerfully,
Tom Dent
Doug Coles
Friday, April 26, 2013
Dr. Whitmore, Cliff, Julia, Mark - my deepest, heart felt condolences to all of you. I loved and admired your beautiful mother. Whether she knew it or not, she was more of an influence on me growing up than she ever realized. She gave me a great appreciation of the piano and music. To this day, I can still hear her encouraging words.....she was truly a wonderful lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Paul
Thursday, April 25, 2013
My deepest sympathies to your family. May the Lord comfort you through this time.