Joyce Ivy Allen, age 79, resident of The Atrium at Serenity Pointe, of Hot Springs, died Monday, July 20, 2020.
She was born on March 11, 1941, in Bismarck, to Carmey Clinton Ivy and Lee Edna Wait Ivy. She married James B. Allen III, retired commander U.S. Navy, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Carmey Ivy; and one sister, Faye Horner.
She graduated from Henderson State University with a Bachelor's in Education, BSE, and Master's in Education, MSE. Joyce worked for 25 years in education and found her niche as a reading specialist. She was so proud that she taught her grandson, Creighton, to read in one afternoon.
Joyce was very close to God and her faith was important to her. She was a back-row Baptist and did not like to sing, but never missed church until COVID hit. She often sent scriptures and God's word to her children and grandchildren. She prayed for a lot of people and would reach out to a total stranger and tell them she was going to pray for them.
She loved to travel, especially her travels to European countries. Her husband, Jim, was the love of her life and they adored each other. They enjoyed snow skiing together and many times took the grandchildren on their travels. She and Jim enjoyed clogging and traveled a lot with their clogging adventures.
Joyce is survived by two daughters and one son-in-law, Alisa Baswell Blanchard, of Jacksonville, Fla., and Shelley Baswell (Stacy) Cranford, of Bismarck; seven grandchildren, Creighton Blanchard, Cameron Blanchard, Carrigan Blanchard, Zack Kirk, Shelby Kirk, Josie Cranford, Tara Cranford; three great-grandchildren, Tyler Blanchard, Kingston Oliver and A'Mirah Haywood; one brother and sister-in-law, David (Bobbie) Ivy, of Elmira, N.Y.; one sister, Carolyn Holcomb, of Hot Springs; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.
Visitation will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 26, 2020, at the funeral home.
Social distancing directives will be in place -- 50 or less at a time in chapel, face covering must be worn.
A private family service and interment will be held under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs, with the Rev. Mike Smith officiating.
Guest registry is at http://www.davis-smith.com.