of Jonesboro, AR
March 31, 1937 - November 19, 2024
Marjorie Joan Southerland, 87, of Quitman, AR went home to be with her Lord and Savior, while surrounded by her loved ones, on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, AR. She was born in Quitman, AR on March 31,1937 to Joseph Harold Gresham and Muriel Elaine (Pettus) Gresham.
Joan graduated Salutatorian from Quitman High School in 1955 and attended what was then Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway where she met her sweetheart, Joe. She worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 5 years prior to getting married in 1963. She later became a stay-at-home wife and mom while raising her 3 children. Joan began working for Roller Funeral Homes, first in England, AR and then retired from Roller McNutt in Conway in 1996, after 6 years of service. She was an active member of Palestine Baptist Church. She loved serving her friends and family in her church as well as in her community.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her brothers, Lewis Wayne Gresham, and Roland Harold Gresham.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Arnold Joe Southerland, her daughters Joanna Whitlatch (Jeff), Janna Maxwell (Jim), both of Jonesboro, AR and son, Jay Southerland (Stephanie) of Little Rock, AR. Nana is also survived by her 9 precious grandchildren, Collin, Carter, and Olivia Whitlatch, Kendall Martin (Will), Gresham Maxwell, and Addison, Parker, and Halle Southerland. She is also survived by her sister, Elaine Ward (Steve) and her sister-in-law, Pat Gresham, as well as many sweet nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Monday, November 25, 2024, from 9:30am -11am at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, with the service beginning at 11am. A graveside service will follow at Pearson Cemetery in Quitman, AR. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Palestine Baptist Church, Quitman or a charity of your choice.
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12 Condolence(s)
Linda & Bobby New
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Joan was a special friend and neighbor. We shall miss Joan in our lives and in her presence in the community. May God bless and comfort the Southerland family.
Virginia Taylor
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Jay , So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family .
Brian & Michelle Bell
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Our love & prayers are with your sweet family. What a long, blessed life to celebrate. Praying for comfort and peace, and thankful she is now home with Jesus!
Terri
Thursday, November 21, 2024
We loved Joan so much, and she was one of the kindest persons in the world. Prayers for you all. The Ayers’ Family
Donna Rodgers Dillahunty
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Joan and I were joined at the heart. We were roommates in Little Rock for a couple of years. She was a very special friend. Joe and children I am so sorry. I will miss her and our lunches with our other roommate Meredith Thrash. What a shock this has all been. So sorry we are out of the country. I have thought of her so much this week in Hawaii as Joe was always sending her the special flowers from Hawaii. I am so grieved that I can’t be there.
Sharon Butler
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Such a very special lady. She will absolutely be missed. Sending love to her family.
Willie and Phyllis Jeffcoat
Thursday, November 21, 2024
We are so sorry to hear about Joan. Our condolences and prayers.
Ashley Locke
Thursday, November 21, 2024
My love and prayers are with the family. Our family loved Ms. Joan and we are blessed to have served the Lord alongside the Southerlands for many years at Palestine. Heaven gained a wonderful and beautiful soul.
Sandra Sheets
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Joe we are so sorry for your loss. I won’t be able to be at service because Lawrence is having surgery that day. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family
Joe Carmical
Thursday, November 21, 2024
So sorry for y’all’s loss prayers for the whole family
Bill Booker
Thursday, November 21, 2024
It was an honor to work with Joan. She was such a humble person with a servant's heart.
Helen Benafield
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Brokenhearted.