On Saturday, October 1, 2022, Joy Gatlin, age 86, of Paragould, moved to her Heavenly home.  She was born August 23, 1936, in Louisiana, to Jack and Virginia Womack.

While pursuing her education at Harding University, Joy met the love of her life, Frank Gatlin.  They were married December 27, 1956.  Joy and Frank had two children, Mike and Jana.  Joy was a phenomenal mother that loved and cared for her children unconditionally.  She was devoted to her husband, children and their families and delighted in spending time with them.  Joy loved the Lord and her family; she set an example for her children and grandchildren that will lead them all of their lives.  Joy received her Master’s degree in Library Science from Arkansas State University.  She taught home economics and was a librarian at Crowley's Ridge Academy until her retirement in 1990.  She loved teaching children and was always willing to help with any project at the school.  Joy was very active in the Alpha Delta Kappa sorority for teachers.  As a lifetime Master Gardener, Joy served the community with the many projects she was involved in.  The Butterfly Garden at the Children’s Homes was a project Joy looked forward to every year.  Joy was a committed follower of Jesus Christ.  She attended Hillcrest Church of Christ for many years.  Joy faithfully and joyfully served in many capacities in her church, such as teaching children, preparing meals, and her greatest role was serving as an elder's wife.  Though she was a humble, gentle woman, Joy was a steadfast Christian that made an eternal impact on her family, church, and friends.  Joy was soft spoken, but her patience and wisdom showed her strength.  Rejoice in Joy's life, and rejoice in her entering Heaven reuniting with Frank.   

Joy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank Gatlin; brothers-in-law, Jerry Gatlin and Harvey Gatlin.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Patsy Gatlin of Paragould; daughter and son-in-law, Jana and Terry Jetton of Paragould; grandchildren, Matthew Gatlin (Adrienne McNally) of Little Rock, Rebecca (Caleb) Henry of Harrisburg, Arkansas, Whitney (J.J.) Blankenship of Paragould, Gretchen (Tanner Smith) of Collierville, Tennessee, and Rachel Jetton (Chase McLean) of Jackson, Tennessee; great-grandchildren, Ethan and Levi Henry of Harrisburg, Arkansas, Zoe and Burkley Blankenship of Paragould, Gatlin Smith of Collierville, Tennessee; brother, Jack E. Womack; brother-in-law, Larry Gatlin; sisters-in-law, Betty Gatlin, Millie Gatlin both of Paragould, and Beverly (Jerry) Midyett of Memphis, Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews that loved her very much. 

The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. until service time Sunday, October 2, at Phillips Funeral Home.  The funeral service will begin at 2:00p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home with Gary Cremeens officiating.  Burial will follow at Shiloh Cemetery.

Family members will serve as pallbearers.

If one wishes to make a lasting memorial, Joy would be honored with donations to Crowley's Ridge Academy or the Children's Homes.