of Jonesboro, AR
October 2, 1942 - May 25, 2023
Joyce Lynne (Thornsberry) Foster, 80, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2023 at Saint Bernard's Hospital in Jonesboro, Arkansas with both sons at her side. Born October 2, 1942 in Moro, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Ira and Dean (McDonald) Thornsberry. At an early age, she moved with her family to Marianna where she attended all twelve years of school. She was a majorette and enjoyed being in the band. She was saved in her youth and joined the First Baptist Church of Marianna. After Joyce completed high school, she moved to Great Falls, Montana to be close to her brother, Ira Thornsberry, Jr, (and wife, Wanda) who was serving in the United States Air Force. She loved everything about Montana except the rattlesnakes! Joyce moved back to Marianna after about two years, where she met the love of her life and future husband, Jimmy Ray Foster. They were blessed with fifty-seven years of marriage and two sons, Brian and Mark Foster. Joyce and Jimmy moved to Forrest City, where they attended Calvary Baptist Church and the family assisted in the founding of Calvary Christian School. Joyce was very active in Boy Scouts with her sons and community activities such as PTA, school and church. They lived in Forrest City for eighteen years before moving to Jonesboro in 1984 to raise their family, build their careers and contribute to their community.
Joyce studied at East Arkansas Community College and became a licensed nurse in Jonesboro. Her first job as a nurse was at Saint Bernard's Hospital and completed her career at Jonesboro Human Development Center where she worked for fourteen years.
In 2005, Joyce retired and focused on being a fire station mom for Station No. 2 in Jonesboro. She enjoyed cooking for them and keeping up with their lives. Joyce received several commendations from the City of Jonesboro for her service to the fire department. All firemen held a special place in her heart, but especially "her firemen". Due to her declining health over the past several years, Joyce was unable to take food or visit, but she still talked about her firemen often and they still honked the fire truck as they drove by her house. This meant so much to her and always brought a smile. She would say, "there go my firemen".
Joyce went to be with her Lord and Savior after a long battle with Parkinson's. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy R. Foster and her parents. She is survived by her children, Brian and Amy Foster, Mark (Lori Thompson) Foster of Little Rock, Arkansas; Shannon and Travis Worthington; her grandchildren, Annie, Abe, Jacob and Savannah all of Jonesboro; sisters, Jean (John) Hinkle and Delores Hughes of Aubrey; one brother, Ira Thornsberry, Jr. of Arlington, Tennessee and a host of nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be Tuesday, May 30, 2023, 2:30pm at LaGrange Cemetery, Marianna.
Visitation will be prior to the service from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home, 1900 W. Washington Ave. Jonesboro, AR.
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17 Condolence(s)
Janet Baugh
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Had the privilege of working with Miss Joyce for many years. Some of the fondest memories of my working career as a nurse include her she will be missed.
Timmy
Monday, May 29, 2023
Going to miss you Joyce you was like a second mom to me I was telling a story about you always say I was going to get Mark in trouble. Then every year you always wanted me to bring you pecans. You always give me something from shoes or socks I still wear them shoes going to miss you one more thing every time me and Jimmy went out went got scratch offs or went to the casino Jimmy says don't tell Joyce.
Lynissa Davis
Monday, May 29, 2023
Ms. Joyce was a special lady who will be missed. Prayers for all her family and her firemen during this sad time.
Robin Parks
Monday, May 29, 2023
I was Ms Joyce's Home Instead caregiver for several months. I became quite fond of her. She was a very sweet lady and I will miss her.
Ms Joyce was a very strong person. I admire her for how she persevered through the Parkinson's.
I really wanted to go to the visitation, but unfortunately I will be working at that time.
My thoughts are with her family and friends.
Steve Harrison
Monday, May 29, 2023
May the creator assuage your pain and grant you peace.
Joanne Webb
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Jean, Ira Jr, Delores, and Family
So sorry for your loss. Joyce was such a sweet person. I have many fond memories of her. My grandmother used to make some of Joyce's majorette uniforms. I always admired Joyce for her ability to march with the band and her skill at twirling the baton. It was a sight to see. Thoughts and prayers for you all.
Richard Rodgers
Sunday, May 28, 2023
My Condolences to Mark and the entire Foster Family in the loss of your loved one.
Robyn Estes/Catt
Sunday, May 28, 2023
I remember Aunt Joyce teaching me how to do puzzles as a little girl,she taught me how to be patient. Puzzles willalways be my connection to her and so much more now that we've lost an amazing woman. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those that love her. Heaven gained an angel.
Kaye Whiteman
Sunday, May 28, 2023
The suffering is over, but the love for Joyce and the blank space in our lives will never be over.
LaToya Kelley
Sunday, May 28, 2023
You will be missed . Love you 😘🥰 , your daughter Latoya K.
DONNA N. RICHARDSON
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Ms. Joyce, I can not express how much I enjoyed spending time with you. You are truly a blessing and will always hold a special place in my heart & forever be missed.
Martha D. Manley
Sunday, May 28, 2023
So sorry for the loss of Joyce!
Have great memories of being with all of her family as I grew up. They were good to me. Graduated with her brother Ira and his late wife, LaWanda. Stay friends with her two sisters Jean and Delories. Keep your memories alive.
linda Aunspaugh
Sunday, May 28, 2023
I love u mrs Forster u will always be my family u will always be loved and missed. my heart is broken so bad.
Jason Goad
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Joyce will be missed dearly. My wife , my children, and I often visited with her as she told us stories of past events and happenings(Mostly about her firemen and family). I’m proud to be able to call her neighbor and moreover a good friend. She’s certainly with Jimmy now and I’m so glad she no longer has the limitations and ailments of this world to hold her back. I pray the family finds peace in knowing this truth.
Mildred Nickel
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Joyce and I were friends long before we became family. We went all through school together.
Brian and Mark and all the family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cherish your precious memories and remember all the good times. Joyce is now with Jesus and Jimmy and all those who went before. There is no suffering there. We miss her terribly; we must comfort each other as best we can.
Love and prayers always, Aunt Mildred and Ken sends his condolences, too.
Brian Weems
Sunday, May 28, 2023
What a glorious day when God calls one of his Saints back home .Rest in Peace
john foster
Sunday, May 28, 2023
You are in our prayers