Joyce Marie Hutsell
Dec 6, 1940 – Sep 10, 2026
Joyce Marie Hutsell, 85, of Hoxie, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, September 10, 2026. She was born on December 6, 1940, in Walnut Ridge to Weldon and Frankie Willfond and was a lifelong resident of Hoxie and the surrounding area.
Joyce was a homemaker and a lifelong member of Hoxie Baptist Church, where she faithfully served in many roles throughout the years. She was especially known for preparing meals for bereaved families and, in her later years, leading the song service. Her faith was strong, and her commitment to serving her church and others was a defining part of her life.
Joyce married Jimmy Hutsell on August 23, 1957, and together they built a life centered around family, faith, and home. Joyce loved her family deeply, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also loved cooking, particularly for large gatherings, and enjoyed gardening, canning, and working in her yard. She and Jimmy traveled to all 48 contiguous states during the 1980s and early 1990s.
She was outspoken and opinionated, and you always knew where you stood with Joyce. She held strong convictions and stood firmly by them. She found great joy in having family gathered around her table.
Some of her happiest memories were made with her family, especially during tamale days, when everyone gathered around the table for hours of cooking, laughing, talking, drinking tea, and snacking. She treasured road trips with Kaylan, time spent “piddling around” with Aaron, and conversations with Emily. But perhaps nothing brought her more joy than sitting around a Waa-hoo board, playing Dominoes or Uno with her grandchildren and teaching them that “cheaters never win.”
She is survived by her sons, Tim (and Debbie) Hutsell of Hoxie and Lanny (and Tonya) Hutsell of Pocahontas; grandchildren Aaron (and Maegan) Hutsell of Pocahontas, Kaylan Hutsell of Pocahontas, and Emily Hutsell of Hoxie; great-grandchildren Ava and Connor Hutsell of Pocahontas; and her sister, Betty Stayton of Hoxie; and many family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Jimmy Hutsell; her parents, Weldon and Frankie Willfond; her sister, Melba Jones; and her brother, Jerry “Buck” Willfond.
Joyce will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, church family, and all who were blessed to know her.
Funeral Service will be on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. with Bro. Will Vasser officiating in the Bryan Chapel. Visitation will begin at 11:00 A.M. that morning. Pallbearers will be Aaron Hutsell, Kaylan Hutsell, Charles Willfond, Rick Mayland, Mick Mayland, and Lanny Hutsell. Honorary pallbearers are Tim Hutsell, Dick Mayland, Alan Willfond, Phillip Willfond, Richard Alls, and Rodger Tidwell.
Burial will be at Crossroads Cemetery in Portia, AR.