Carolyn Joyce Clayton Sturgeon, 61, of Monticello, Arkansas, passed away peacefully in Little Rock on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, following an illness. Joyce was born on September 28, 1964, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Mrs. Jenece Clayton and the late Mr. Beottis E. Clayton.
Joyce was a Christian whose faith was an important part of her life. She cherished the time she spent at home with her beloved husband, Paul, and treasured every opportunity to be surrounded by family. Joyce especially enjoyed traveling and making memories with those she loved. Some of her favorite adventures were “girls’ trips” with her mother and sister, as well as a special trip out West with her husband and parents.
Joyce devoted many years of her life to caring for others as a Registered Nurse. She was a graduate of Northwest Community College, where she attended the Associate Degree Nursing program alongside her mother, Jenece. It was especially meaningful to Joyce that she and her mother were able to graduate together—a memory they would always share.
Joyce will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Paul Sturgeon of Monticello, Arkansas; her mother, Jenece Bailey Clayton of Potts Camp, Mississippi; her sons, Daniel Duke of Potts Camp, Mississippi, and Cliff Sturgeon of Lufkin, Texas; her daughter, Sandy May of Lufkin, Texas; her sister, Beth (Steve) Sprinkle of Saltillo, Mississippi; her niece, LeAnne (Antonio) Vance of Saltillo, Mississippi; her nephew, Jon Mark (Abby) Sprinkle of Ripley, Mississippi; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and nine great-nieces and great-nephews.
Joyce was preceded in death by her father, Beottis E. Clayton.
Though she is deeply missed, Joyce leaves behind a lifetime of memories, love, laughter, and moments that will remain treasured in the hearts of her family and friends. Her caring spirit and love for her family will continue to live on through all those who knew and loved her.
A memorial service celebrating Joyce’s life will be held at a family home in Holly Springs, Mississippi, on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Cremation arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
