Joyce (Jackson) Larkin

Joyce Jackson Larkin of Russellville, Arkansas, died May 6, 2023, at Baptist Hospital in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Joyce is survived by her husband of almost 57 years, James Michael Larkin of Russellville; her children, Melanie (Bryan) Harris of Russellville, Burke (Sheri) Larkin of Cave Springs, Arkansas, and Sara (Shawn) Gordon of Russellville; her grandchildren, Rachel Harris of Washington, D.C., Larkin (Arden) Harris of Little Rock, Caroline and Sara Grace Larkin of Cave Springs and Jack and Kate Gordon of Russellville; her sister-in-law, Carole Jackson of Homer, Georgia; niece, Jennifer (Jack) Brinson of Raleigh, North Carolina, and nephew Barth (Amy) Jackson of Athens, Georgia.

Joyce was proceeded in death by her mother, Sarah Holloway Jackson, father, William Carlos Jackson, Sr., and brother, Dr. William Carlos Jackson, Jr.

The memorial service for Joyce will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Russellville officiated by Dr. Stephen P. Davis and Pastors Mike Cloud and Greg Sykes. A reception will follow the service. Memorials in Joyce’s honor can be made to First Baptist Church of Russellville and CARTI Cancer Center. A private committal and internment will be held at Center Valley Memorial Gardens in Russellville under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service.

Pallbearers will be Jack Gordon, Shawn Gordon, Bryan Harris, Larkin Harris, Maxie Mathis, III, Matt Stobaugh, Graham Streett and Jimmy Streett. Honorary pallbearers will be James Biggers, Jock Davis, Cliff Goodin, Boyd Osborne, Dr. Burke Wade, Norman Watson and Dr. Robert A. Young, Jr.

Born Sara Joyce Jackson on October 6, 1944, in Hollywood, Florida, to parents Sarah Holloway and William Carlos Jackson, Sr. and older brother William Carlos “Bill” Jackson, Jr., Joyce grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and graduated from Memphis State University in 1966 with a degree in sociology.

In Memphis, Joyce met the love of her life, James Michael “Mike” Larkin. The couple married on June 10, 1966, and moved to Russellville shortly thereafter. Joyce was a high school English teacher and subsequently a lifelong advocate for good grammar and punctuation.

In 1977, Joyce and Mike opened Larkin Business Machines and later the Gift and Card Corner. They worked together to build a successful business that became a staple of Main Street Russellville.

Perhaps Joyce’s favorite role was mother to her three children, Melanie, Burke and Sara, and “Nana” to her six grandchildren, Rachel, Larkin, Caroline, Jack, Sara Grace and Kate. Through the years, she never missed a sporting event, piano concert or dance recital, and was a constant source of joy, comfort and fun to her family.

Joyce was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Russellville where she served in Women’s Ministry, sang in the choir and taught Kindergarten Sunday School for over 20 years. Joyce loved the Lord and loved teaching others about Him.

In addition to serving her church, Joyce was also an active member of the BM Chapter of PEO, including serving as president. After beating cancer with the help of Dr. Thomas Sneed, she also became a loyal volunteer at CARTI, ministering to others going through cancer treatment.

Ever the quintessential southern lady, Joyce will be remembered by family and friends for her meticulously planned events, homemade bread deliveries and “little happies” that she would gift to others for no reason at all.

Joyce loved God and loved people and they loved her right back. Her favorite verse was Romans 15:13, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. Her family and friends are filled with joy and peace knowing she is home with Him in heaven.

Joyce's internet obituary and online guestbook are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.

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