Joyce Carolyn Bays Sullins

Joyce Carolyn Bays Sullins, 69, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2011, after a brief illness. She was the recipient of a bilateral lung transplant in 1998. Joyce was born on Aug. 21, 1941 in Crossett, to James Leslie and Mary Ellen Jones Bays.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; a brother Jimmy, a nephew; and a brother-in-law, Felton Burt of Diboll, Texas.

Joyce is survived by her husband of 49 years, Dr. John Sullins;

Daughters Deborah Kay Brown (Ed) of Rogers,, and Mary Leslie Wingate (Steve) of Dallas;

One son, Paul John (Amy) of Dell;

Five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren;

A sister, Peggy Burt of Diboll Texas;

One brother-in-law, Neal Sullins (Nanette) of Seattle; and

One sister-in-law, Jane Olson (John) of Manchester, Mass.

Joyce was a Methodist, a member of Chapter DH, PEO, in Bella Vista and was a former member of Chapter D in Blytheville. She served on numerous committees in her communities of Blytheville and Bella Vista. She was instrumental in establishing the Blytheville Leadership Institute and the PRIDE Committee in Blytheville. Joyce was a former member of the PRIDE Committee of Bella Vista. She was a past executive director of the United Way of Greater Blytheville.

Joyce enjoyed her retirement and home in Bella Vista where she loved watching the deer, fox and numerous other animals visiting her yard; however, she enjoyed most of all making memories with her beloved grandchildren.

A graveside service is planned for the family at Crossroads Cemetery in Ashley County. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials planned be made in Joyce's name to the Arkansas Northeastern College Foundation, Post Office Box 1109, Blytheville, AR 72315.

All service arrangements were made under the direction of Epting Funeral Home in Bella Vista, Arkansas. Online condolences can be made to the family at: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.