Joy Newberry

Joy Newberry, a beloved mother and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025, at the age of 91. She was born on November 10, 1934, in Beech Grove, Arkansas, where she first began to cultivate her lifelong values of love, faith, and hospitality.

Joy married the love of her life, John Darrell Newberry, on June 9, 1951. Together, they created a warm and loving home, a testament to her unwavering dedication to family. As a young military wife, Joy mastered the art of transforming each new house into a welcoming sanctuary, often arranging and rearranging spaces to reflect her creative spirit and commitment to a clean, inviting environment. This allowed her to unpack and decorate their new homes overnight, making transitions seamless for her family.

Joy treasured her connections with family and friends. She often spent hours on the phone, nurturing her relationships and sharing in the joys and challenges of life. Her passion for antique shopping reflected her appreciation for history and beauty, often leading her to discover unique treasures that she lovingly displayed in her home.

As a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, Joy's faith in Jesus was the cornerstone of her life, and she instilled these values in her children, Debbie Stephens, Susan Reeves, and John Newberry. Her unwavering devotion to her faith guided her through life's experiences, shaping her into a woman of grace and strength.

Joy's family includes her loving daughters, Debbie (Ty) Stephens and Susan (James) Reeves, and her son, John (Jan) Newberry; her eight grandchildren: Tisha (Jeff), Laura (Devin), Shaunda (Bo), Nathan (Woodra), Shannon (John), Brad (Emily), Sean (Kate), and Andrea; her great-grandchildren: Tyler, Alexis, Matthew, Madison, Kayla, Ty, Cap, Bodie, Aiden, Ila, Tilly, Hudson, Gracie, Hayden, Maddie, Levi, Alex, Ashton, Cohen, and Piper; one great-great-grandchild: Jackson; her brother-in-law, Larry Newberry; her close friend and cousin, Diane Parkinson; and many nieces and nephews. She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith that will continue to inspire her family and friends.

Joy was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Newberry; father, Telfair Pillow; mother, Elsie Pillow; grandson, Nathan Reeves; son-in-law, Ty Stephens,; brother, J.D. Pillow; sisters, Lorene Anderson and Maxine Hyde; brother-in-law, Clarence Newberry; and sister-in-law, Dee Stolle.

Funeral services for Joy Newberry will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Heath Funeral Home. A visitation will begin at 12:00 PM. A funeral service presided over by Art Smith will commence at 1:00 PM, honoring her life and the values she cherished. Joy will be laid to rest at Mt. Zion Cemetery. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Darrell Birmingham, Keith Davis, Bo Brewer, Jeff Vick, Frankie Don Pillow, Devin O'Dell, Tyler Naughton, and Matthew Naughton. Honorary pallbearers are Charlie Pillow, Billy Ray Hyde, Dale Anderson, David Anderson, and Rick Bryant.

In this time of mourning, we remember Joy not only for the warmth she brought to our lives but also for the steadfast faith and love she shared so freely. Her memory will be forever etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.