Joycelyn Reed (Joy) Robertson

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Joycelyn Reed (Joy) Robertson, 88, recently of Memphis, Tenn., passed from this life on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020. She was born in 1932 to Charles Blythe Childress and Novelle Reed Childress.

Joycelyn grew up in Manila, along with her younger sister Jane Roths, and married her loving husband E.W. Robertson Jr. Joy and E.W. started their married life in Manila, surrounded by both their families and many friends. They were happily married for 65 years until E.W. passed from this world in 2015. Joy and E.W. were members of the First Baptist Church in Manila. Joy and E.W. raised their four children, first on the family farm near Manila and then later moved to their last home together, “Rockwood”, near Bono. Joy took great pride in all her children, Wayde (Jeannette) Robertson, Chuck (Melisa) Robertson, Rachelle (Lou) D’Eri and Renee (Danny) Jones, and loved spoiling her seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Joy pursued her love of art by obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from Arkansas State University and exploring her talents in many mediums including painting, pottery and sculpting. Joy worked for more than 15 years as an interior designer first at Barton’s Lumber Company and later at her own firm, all the while working towards her Bachelor of Arts degree. Joy was a very active member of the Art League of Jonesboro and entered many art shows through the league and through Sara Howell’s art gallery. Joy leaves a legacy of great love and devotion to her family and friends; all of whom will miss her encouraging words and giving spirit.

There will be a graveside service at the Manila Cemetery, 836 W. Lake Street, Manila, Arkansas, 72442, on Saturday, Sept. 26, beginning at 1 p.m., for those who wish to pay their respects to Joy and her family. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be given to St. Jude Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.