Funeral Services for Joyce Faye Ward, Age 83 of Salem, Arkansas will be held on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026 at The Barker Funeral Home, Salem, Arkansas, beginning at 1:00 PM. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 29th, 2026 at The Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 PM. Burial will take place in The Salem Cemetery, Salem, Arkansas.
Joyce Faye Ward, 83, of Salem, Arkansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on May 6, 1943, to Curtis Paul Henry and Lorene (Marchant) Henry.
Joyce was united in marriage to the love of her life, Donald Gene Ward, on October 4, 1963, in Viola, Arkansas. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work, and were blessed with two sons.
Joyce dedicated 34 years of service to North Arkansas Electric, where she worked in customer service until her retirement. She was known for her kindness, warm smile, and willingness to help others. A faithful member of Salem First Baptist Church, Joyce lived her life with a strong devotion to the Lord, her family, and her community.
Family was the center of Joyce’s life. She treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved being involved in their lives and activities. She found joy in baking, crocheting, quilting, camping, and traveling to Colorado, creating countless memories with those she loved.
She is survived by her two sons, Lanny Ward (Janet) of Salem, Arkansas, and Kyle Ward (Michelle) of Salem, Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Andrew Ward (Brittany), Kayla Overman (Blaine), Haley Skaggs (Dylan), Brooke Robbins (Austin), Bailey Reed (Blake), Whitney Roberson (Ryan), and Hanna Langevin (T.W.); ten great-grandchildren, Olivia, Tinlee, Karsyn, Rylee Jo, Addison, Nash, Renley, and Alaina, with two additional great-grandchildren expected soon; along with many other relatives and friends who will cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Gene Ward; her parents, Curtis Paul Henry and Lorene (Marchant) Henry; three brothers-in-law, David Jennings, Mickey Oliver, and Gary Branscum; and one sister-in-law, Lenisa Branscum.
Joyce will be remembered as a loving daughter, devoted wife, caring mother, proud grandmother and great-grandmother, cherished aunt, and loyal friend. Her legacy of faith, kindness, generosity, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas, with Seth Brazeal and Zach Branscum officiating. Interment to follow at Salem Cemetery in Salem, Arkansas.
Pallbearers will be Andrew Ward, Ryan Roberson, Blake Reed, Blaine Overman, Austin Robbins, Zach Branscum, Dylan Skaggs, and T.W. Langevin.
Honorary pallbearers will be Barbara Hickinbotham, Judy Oliver, Marcia Newton, Barbara Jennings, and Kay Curtis.
Memorials may be made to the Salem Cemetery Association or Mt. Calm Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home of Salem, Arkansas.
