Joyce Good Pillow passed away on November 12, 2021, in Batesville. She was born on April 5, 1939, in Mississippi County, to the family of Dock and Izora Cole Good. As the oldest child, she helped with the younger siblings and quickly learned to become a good cook. Joyce received formal education at Wheatley High School graduating with the class of 1957. She continued with five years of study at Arkansas State University, earning a Master’s Degree in teaching.
During college, Joyce met Harry Pillow a fellow classmate. In 1959 they made the choice of a lifetime commitment and exchanged vows in Cripple Creek, Colorado. Moving to accommodate their teaching degrees Joyce and Harry made their home in many different locations and shared in the joys of raising two children.
Joyce began her teaching career in Vilonia. Later they moved to the small community of Gamaliel, where she and Harry both taught in a little two-room schoolhouse. The family also called Wauchula, Florida home for many years before Joyce returned to her roots in Arkansas. She accepted a position in Oil Trough and eventually Newark, where she retired. She worked for a time at UACB in Batesville before completely, stepping away from public work.
Joyce was raised in the Christian faith and during childhood attended worship at the Wheatley Baptist Church and years later at the Goodwin Baptist Church. The holidays were a special time for Joyce and her home was the place for all to gather. Her homemade macaroni and cheese along with her turkey and dressing were always family favorites. When time allowed, Joyce enjoyed times spent with family water skiing at Lake Norfork, near Missouri and Greers Ferry, in Heber Springs. Other interests included painting, photography, and being with her beloved dogs, Dixie and Odin.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harry Pillow; brother, Albert Good and sister; Jane Henderson.
Survivors include; her son, Mark Pillow, and daughter, Melissa Barnes, both of Jonesboro; sister, Joan Shumate of Clarksville; grandchildren, Chris Holley, Nick Holley (Amanda), and Colton Barnes, great-grandchildren; Hayden Holley and Blaine Holley; sister-in-law, Irene Good, and two nieces; Angie and Alena.
Visitation will be at Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home on Friday beginning at noon. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson Cemetery in Wheatley.
