of Helena, AR
October 22, 1933 - June 26, 2024
Joe Ann Hargraves (Malnar), 90, passed away on June 26, 2024 at her home in Helena, AR. She was born on October 22,1933 in Shreveport, LA to Leo and Mary Malnar.
Joe Ann was a long-time member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and in more recent years, St. John's Episcopal Church in Helena. She was very dedicated to the renovation and life of the Helena Museum of Phillips County; she served as a board member for eighteen years and president for thirteen years. Library Hall of the Helena Museum was dedicated and named in her honor as Joe Ann Hargraves Hall in 2023. She was also honored in 2014 as Phillips County Citizen of the Year.
Joe Ann will be remembered by her friends for living the phrase ''Service towards others above herself.''. ''Making such a difference in others' lives'', ''being full of pearls of wisdom'' and her pouring of love into the hearts of her family and friends'' are also how people will remember her.
She loved being with her friends and acquaintances, whether it was lunch at the Pillow-Thompson House, playing a hand of bridge, shopping or social events. Her smile and kind gestures lit up the room wherever she entered!
Joe Ann and her late husband, Richard, traveled the world for over fifty years. During their travels, some of her experiences she often bragged about included riding an elephant in Malaysia and a camel in Egypt, climbing the Great Wall of China and even holding an alligator in Cuba (''it was a small one!'').
Joe Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Harrison Hargraves. She leaves to carry on her gracious legacy to her daughters, Mary Ann Hargraves of Helena, AR and Susanne Gentry (Curtis) of Memphis, TN; as well as a Goddaughter, Kristin Bettis (Adam) of Southaven, MS. She has four grandchildren, Tripp Hollowell (Katie), Mary Elizabeth Lay (Jackson), Grant Gentry and Will Gentry.
Joe Ann has five great-grandsons, Davis Graham, Hughes Flynn, Mills Morgan and John Collins Hollowell as well as Grayson Oxford Bettis. Her dear cousin, Jeff Bradley of Huntsville, TX survives her, as well as two very loved ''bonus'' daughters, Charlotte Cannon and Jamie Leppert.
Joe Ann's life will be celebrated by Reverend Ray Brown, Father Ed Graves and Reverend Joe Porter at St. John's Episcopal Church in Helena on July 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Joe Ann will be laid to eternal rest in the family plot at Maple Hill Cemetery in Helena.
Memorials may be made to Helena Museum of Phillips County, PO Box 38, Helena, AR, 72342; St. John's Episcopal Church, PO Box 770, Helena, AR, 72342 or Subiaco Academy, 405 N. Subiaco Avenue, Subiaco, AR, 72865.
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21 Condolence(s)
Jean Schwantz Clark
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Loved Mrs. Joe Ann, She was a very kind Southern Lady.
Prayers for family and Friends.
Al Gordon
Monday, July 8, 2024
Ms. Joe Ann was one of those few true difference makers in our lives growing up. A diligent worker and caring person, always a good example to follow.
Susan Berggren
Saturday, July 6, 2024
So sad that the world is a bit dimmer now that this precious lady has gone home. It was truly an honor to have met her, even though our friendship was brief. Many prayers for peace and comfort for you Mary Ann and your family.
Barbara King
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Mary Ann and Susanne… today and always I’ll remember your mother’s smile and kindness, and I feel lucky that I had the pleasure of knowing her. Our community has lost a very special person. She will be forever remembered, forever missed by all who knew her. May God bless you and keep all of you in his care, now and in the days ahead.
Dawna Parker
Saturday, July 6, 2024
You were such a special friend,Joe Ann. I miss our morning walks, sharing books and travel stories, and our work together in tourism events! Dick and I always enjoyed the times we spent with you and Richard. All our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mary Ann and your family.
Jesse Porter
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Praying for the family and many friends of Joe Ann to receive the peace and comfort I believe she is now enjoying.
She was a great leader of the Museum Board.
Rusty Porter
Joe St. Columbia
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Joanne and Richard Hargraves were very dear Lifelong friends With Joyce and I. They will be deeply missed and the many memories of life we shared together. My heart is in great sorrow for their passing.
Carolyn Harper
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Mary Ann....your mother was such a sweet lady and will be greatly missed. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Diane and Jim Mayer
Monday, July 1, 2024
Mary Ann and Susanne— we are so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Joe Ann and Richard were great friends. Please know we’re thinking of you at this difficult time. May her memory be a blessing!
Laurie McLendon
Monday, July 1, 2024
Joe Ann
I will miss seeing you at The Fabulous First Thursday lunches at the PT house & all of the Christmas open houses and other celebrations.
I bet you now have that recipe for that delicious red punch that we loved!
You are loved and will be missed.
Sincerely
Laurie Smith McLendon
Jo Ellen Ryan
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Mary Ann & Susanne,
My thoughts & prayers are with both of you & your families. On the rare occasions that I have returned to Helena, sometimes I would see your mother. She was always so friendly & welcoming. She had such a beautiful smile.
God has blessed us with sweet & beautiful memories of our mothers. Some days will be more difficult than others in your grief but in this situation time will be your friend. As the months turn into years, the wonderful memories of your mother will fill you with the warmth, serenity, & knowledge that she loved you beyond measure.
May God’s peace which is beyond all understanding be with you.
In sympathy,
Jo Ellen Ryan (Beauchamp)
Sister Kimberly Prohaska, OSB
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Our loving prayers and condolences to the family of Joe Ann.
May she know the peace of Christ in life eternal!
The Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery
Louise Etoch
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Mary Anne and Susanne, I am so sorry for your loss.
I am mourning the loss of my dearest friend of sixty-five years. Joe Anne and I have been through a lot, and helped each other weather the storms. My love and prayers to each of you and your families.
Charlotte Cannon
Sunday, June 30, 2024
She was a very dear friend and lived LIFE at its fullest. Loved entertaining her friends. I will miss my at least 3 phone calls a day…
Sandra Richmond
Sunday, June 30, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother and my friend. . Joe Ann was a special lady who made a difference in Helena-West Helena. She will be missed.
Ann Marie Zito
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Joe Ann and Richard were good friends to me and my late husband, Allen Martin. Joe Ann made a lasting contribution to the Helena Museum and other charitable causes. I will miss her. Prayers to Mary Ann and her other family.
Al Haraway
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Joe Ann was a very special family friend for many years. She will be dearly remembered and missed.
Al and Jamie Haraway
Philly Herlein Rains
Saturday, June 29, 2024
My Friend, I wouldn't trade our trips to Southaven, DeWitt, and Stuttgart, for all the cruises in the world. The reasons for our trips may have been medical, but the fun we had was strictly recreational. I will miss you, but knowing you are with your beloved Richard makes me smile. Thanks for sharing beautiful time with me. I love you.
Prayers of comfort and peace for your family.
Billie Sue Rohrscheib
Friday, June 28, 2024
Words cannot describe this precious lady, she was so full of life in everything she did. Henry and I loved her. She will be missed by everyone that was blessed to have her in their life, and I am so glad she was in mine! My prayers for her girls and their family! Billie Sue Rohrscheib
Marty Faulkner
Friday, June 28, 2024
Grand Lady and my life was better because of her growing up in Helena ..
Loved her & Mr. Richard and Love to you Mary Ann!
Linda Clifton Bennett
Friday, June 28, 2024
Dear Mrs Hargraves,
It has been an Honor, Privilege and sometimes just plan fun being your friend. I am most humbled to have worked by your side, giving each other advise and friendship. I only wish I could have seen the reunion you had with your heavenly family upon your arrival. I know it was a home coming with class and dignity. I really hope you walk beside Richard as you enjoy your new adventure.
With much love
Linda