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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26 Condolence(s)
Dana Barger Jones, Eddie Jones
Thursday, January 9, 2025
It has been said that, "No man becomes a success without a good woman behind him, whether it is wife or mother" and "Women become their mothers". If this is true, Mrs. Southerland had to have been one in a million. Our deepest condolences to the whole family. Eddie and Dana Jones
Marvin and Becky Wendel
Thursday, November 28, 2024
To the family. So sorry to hear about Joan’s passing. I worked with her at Roller for a few years. She was always kind and courteous to me and my family. God bless you all in the days to come.
Eural and Michele Southerland
Monday, November 25, 2024
So sorry for your loss. What a great pleasure to know this wonderful woman.
connie unger
Monday, November 25, 2024
Joan my heard. breaks for your family I love ya. Miss Connie
Pam White Dunavant
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Joe, Joanna, Janna, Jay & family, I was saddened to hear about Joan's passing. She is so precious and kind.
I pray God's peace and comfort for you all during this difficult time. She is at her forever home now, with no more suffering or pain.
Darlene & Joe Harrison
Sunday, November 24, 2024
This woman was so special. She exuded kindness and love. She had such a beautiful spirit that shone out of her eyes. There will never be another like her. I’m sure she is enjoying her new wings in heaven. That sweet smile of hers will be missed in church. We loved her greatly. I know the family will miss her so much and our hearts go out to them. May God give them comfort.
Tommy & Kathy Riggs
Saturday, November 23, 2024
We are lifting you all up in our thoughts and prayers!
So glad we were able to meet your sweet mother! Wish we could’ve known her more. Sending you lots of hugs, love and prayers!!
Tommie Heath
Friday, November 22, 2024
She had to be a dear sweet lady to raise her beautiful, loving caring daughters, Joanna and Jana
Elaine Ratliff
Friday, November 22, 2024
It was wonderful to share a lifetime friendship with Joan. I'm broken-hearted and will miss our visits.
Elaine Ratliff
Friday, November 22, 2024
It was wonderful to share a lifetime friendship with Joan. I'm broken-hearted and will miss our visits.
Cheryl Ritter
Friday, November 22, 2024
My prayers are with the family. So sorry for your loss. She was a special lady
Wanda Hawkins
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Joan was such a sweet, thoughtful lady. I will miss her phone calls to check on me and my husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with this precious family!
John Patterson
Thursday, November 21, 2024
I'm so sorry for your loss . She was a beautiful caring person . I called her and Joe my family ! I will never forget the love that she showed and the kindness she gave to everyone around her !!! She was a precious soul !!! My condolences and prayers to her family and friends !!! I will miss her calling me to see how I am doing !!! She was always concerned and very kind to me !!!
Brenda Moss
Thursday, November 21, 2024
My thoughts and prayer’s are with the family at this sad time!
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.