Joan Williams

JoAn “Lady J” Williams of Sherwood, Arkansas, was born on July 17, 1959, in Marvell, Arkansas, to Lillie Mae Myles and Roosevelt Williams.

JoAn was an ambitious child with a bright future ahead of her. Growing up in foster care, she gained many lifelong families and meaningful relationships along the way. Through every season of life, JoAn displayed strength, determination, and resilience that shaped the remarkable woman she became.

JoAn attended Forrest City High School and later earned her GED. Continuing her educational journey, she attended Jackson Community Junior College, earned an Associate degree from Saint Vincennes University, and later received her Bachelor’s degree from Central Baptist College in Conway, Arkansas. Her dedication to education led her to graduate with honors and earn recognition on the Dean’s List. In 2025, JoAn was honored as Veteran of the Year by the Sherwood Chamber of Commerce.

JoAn faithfully served the Lord and was a devoted member of FBC North Little Rock. Throughout the years, she also faithfully served at Trumpet in Zion, Mount Moriah, and within the Mission Society. JoAn proudly served her country as a member of the Arkansas Army National Guard Active Guard Reserve from 1982 and retired in 2003 . She also served on the Black History Committee and volunteered with the American Red Cross.

JoAn was known for her generous heart and willingness to help anyone in need without seeking recognition. She found joy in serving others and often provided food and necessities to those experiencing hardship. She loved crafting and creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. JoAn had a passion for planning and decorating every event—often going above and beyond in unforgettable ways. More than anything, Joan loved traveling the world and going on cruises. She was always the life of the party, bringing joy and laughter wherever she went. She specially enjoyed introducing others to new travel experiences and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

JoAn was preceded in death by her parents, Lillie Mae Myles and Roosevelt Williams; her sisters, Rose Mary “Cookie” Jackson (Donald Nelson), Dorothy Williams and Lula Mae Williams Nicholson; and her brother, Emmett Hawkins.

She Leaves to cherish her precious memories: her children: Telicia Williams(Devonte), Jamie I. Thomas (Marlon) Baugh and Riley L. Blue Jr. (Taylor); bonus children: Zach Turpin, Atrisha Hollis and Yolanda Pettis; grandchildren: Lakayla K.L. Williams-Fair (Dillion), Christopher Scroggins, Malik K. Dobbins, Marisa T. Dobbins, Tyrek R. Powell, Serenity, Skylee, Riley L. Blue III; two great-grandchildren;Milo & Lilly Bug; Special Families & Extended Families: The Jackson Family, Perkins Family, Taylor Family, Williams Family, Braggs Family, Kelly Family, Varnado Family, Foster Family, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; Special friends: Ann Shaw, Glendine (Harry) Moore, Linda “Foxxy” Brown, Rosalyn (Carl)Henegan, Velma Sims & Family, and Marvin Turnbo.

An Old Soldier's Prayer

I have fought when others feared to serve. I have gone where others failed to go. I've lost friends in war and strife, Who valued Duty more than love of life. I have shared the comradeship of pain. I have searched the lands for men that we have lost .I have sons who served this land of liberty, Who would fight to see that other stricken lands are free. I have seen the weak forsake humanity .I have heard the traitors praise our enemy. I've seen challenged men become even bolder, I've seen the Duty, Honor, Sacrifice of the Soldier. Now I understand the meaning of our lives, The loss of comrades not so very long ago. So to you who have answered duties siren call ,May God bless you my son, may God bless you all.

Lewis Millett