of Conway, AR

August 13, 1934 - May 11, 2024

Joyce Adrine Swinea, age 89, passed away May 11, 2024 at the Heritage Living Center in Conway, Arkansas. She was born August 13, 1934 in Damascus, Arkansas to Opie Reed (Buster) Sohn, Sr. and Crilla Edwards Sohn.

She attended South Side High School in Bee Branch, Arkansas, where she played basketball, fell in love with and married Vernon Ray Swinea in 1951. They lived in Damascus much of their married life where they had two sons and attended First Baptist Church. She loved to sing in the church choir and specials with her sister and others. Joyce and Vernon worked at International Shoe Company for many years until its closure. She then began working at Independent Living Services as a house parent to many young men. Her clients loved her and many continued to visit her through the years. Her final job was at Conway Human Development Center working in the living units. Joyce was always a hard worker. She worked full-time and completed her GED as an adult with grown children who were so proud of her.

In her early retirement, Joyce enjoyed the Red Hatters Club, fun and travels with family and friends and playing cards, often dozing off then waking to make a perfect play. During the past five and a half years she resided at Heritage Living Center, where she was well cared for and loved by the staff.

Joyce was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Vernon; one brother, Opie Reed Sohn, Jr; four sisters, Marion Stafford, Zelda Henry, Anna Sue Evans, Peggy Lou Bowen and two granddaughters, Carol Ann Owen and Katie Swinea.

Joyce is survived by two sons and their wives, Billy and Nancy Swinea and Jim and Judy Swinea: five grandchildren, Lisa (Jeffery) Fulmer, Scott (Dorie) Owen, Missy (Jake) Honegger, Joshua (Carrie) Swinea, Matthew Swinea and many relatives and friends.

There will be a visitation at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway at 1:00pm Thursday, May 16, 2024 with the funeral service following at 2:00pm under the direction of Roller- McNutt and officiated by Jim Swinea and Joshua Swinea. Burial will be private at a later date.

The family wishes to honor the wonderful staff of Heritage Living Center as Honorary Pallbearers.

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