Joyce Ellen Allen Vandivor, passed away peacefully at her home in the early hours on Sunday, June 25, 2023. She was born on January 20, 1938 to the late Elmer Allen and Isabell Harriet Howell Allen in the Pine Snag community. She is reunited with her husband of 64 years, Leon, and her brothers and sisters, along with many friends that passed before her.
Joyce was the epitome of a strong Christian woman and her love for the Lord was evident in all areas of her life. She was a member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, in the Pine Snag community, where she supported Leon during his time as pastor, taught Sunday School, and blessed everyone who heard her sing. Hearing Joyce sing was like listening to the angels themselves. She was always available to lend a helping hand and welcomed all into her home. If you were lucky, there was a batch of Joyce’s cinnamon rolls, fresh out of the oven.
After teaching at Benton, Missouri and Rector High School in Arkansas she taught English at Pangburn High School for 14 years. Miss V had a way of bringing out the best in every student, whether they thought they were capable or not. She provided an exceptional education while caring about each of the often-hard-headed teenagers she had the task of teaching.
After retiring, Joyce spent every possible moment with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, insisting on watching over them. Her pride was evident when she spoke of them, and she kept their photos proudly displayed in her home.
The Arkansas Razorbacks were one of Joyce’s passions. She attended football and basketball games with her sister, Barbara, and they watched baseball games together on TV. Her home was full of Razorback décor and she even asked everyone to call the Hogs at Barbara’s memorial service.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Leon, her parents, three sisters and two brothers, Imogene Allen Richardson, Betty Thompson, Elmer Dale Allen, Barbara (Steve) Allen Jones and Kenneth Lloyd Allen.
Joyce is survived by her son, Russ (Shellie) Vandivor, her daughter, Maury (David) Lyons; grandchildren, Cameron (Amber) Vandivor, Paige (Rob) Rogers, Tyler Irwin, Jordan (Austin) James, and Zahn (Sidnie) Crider; great-grandchildren, Zeke and Carson Vandivor, Reagan and Steven Rogers, Graysin and Savannah Irwin, Seth Anthony and Elizabeth “Izzy” James, and Zaylee and Zander Crider.
She is also survived by four sisters, Bonna Rhea Moller of Prosser, Washington, Annette Allen Martin of Hattieville, Arkansas, Janelle Allen Colvin and June Allen Weaver, both of the Pine Snag community and one brother, Max Allen, also of Pine Snag.
The pallbearers are Rob Rodgers, David Lyons, Austin James, Zahn Crider, Cameron Vandivor and Greg Allen. Honorary pallbearers are Max Allen, Jerry Richardson and Tyler Irwin.
Funeral service will be Wednesday, June 28 at 2:00 pm at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 pm prior to the service. The interment will be at Goodsprings Cemetery in Heber Springs.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
10 Comments
I’m blessed to have known Joyce for almost fifty years, and to have had her as my best teacher in Pangburn. She always had an invitation to visit Colorado, and hike in the mountains with me. Her singing voice was the most beautiful I’ve ever heard!
Joyce was truly one of the greatest blessings in my life!
Praying for you all! Mrs.V was such an amazing person! I will never forget her!
The sweetest is what God wants. He sure got a good one this time! She will be so missed!
She was such a special teacher, lady and friend. I loved her dearly. She was always there for me when I needed her.
Sincere condolences to the family. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God provide the necessary peace and comfort to your family and friends during this difficult time. Please remember these words of encouragement from the Bible: “ Jesus plainly told her: “I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” —John 11:20-25.
So sorry for your loss, sending prayers for you and your family
She was a dpecial lady
Fly high angel. You will be missed. My condolences to the family
My favorite teacher at Rector High School in the early 70’s. She will be missed.
I loved Mr & Mrs Vandiver. He was our Superintendent and she was a high school teacher at Rector High School. I was in elementary, Russ was in my class, Mrs Wheatleys room in 4th grade.
Sign Guestbook