Service: 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, at CrossRoads Community Church, with burial at Maplewood Cemetery; Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Monday, April 29, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.
Joan Ray Whitmore (Joani) went home to be with her Lord on April 24 (2013). She passed away at her home in Harrison, with her husband of 56 years by her side.
She was born at home in Clarendon, Texas, the daughter of Ray and Oleta (Mann) Moreman on Oct. 6,1932.
Joan was the paramount example of a Proverbs 31 woman; always gracious, willing to serve others, and lovingly devoted to her husband and family.
Joan earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in music from North Texas State University. She was a pioneer in the area of music therapy and used her education to help special needs children in the community develop a love for music. She brought music with her wherever she went. She filled her home with it, she played at nursing homes, and taught piano lessons most of her life. For years, the Episcopal Church rang with the sound of her organ music on Sunday mornings.
Her love and desire for music to be in our community got her involved with the Northwest Arkansas Concert Association and the Apollo Music Club. Joan was passionate about her community and loyal to her country. She was involved with the Republican Women’s Club.
She was married to Clifford Sims Whitmore, DVM, on Sept. 2, 1957, in Clarendon, Texas. They became residents of Boone County Arkansas in 1958.
She is survived by her husband Clifford Sims Whitmore, of Harrison; son Clifford Sims Whitmore II and wife, Linda, of Franklin, Tenn., and their daughters, Katherine and Jennifer Whitmore; daughter Julia Lynn (Whitmore) Davies and husband, John, of Fredericksburg, Texas, and their son, Jacob Davies and daughter, Jamye Davies; son, Mark Cameron Whitmore and wife, Lisa, of Harrison, and their daughters, Cameron and Megan Whitmore and son, Walker Whitmore. Joan is also survived by brothers, Jack Moreman and wife, Fredie Jo, of Clarendon, Texas, and David Moreman and wife, Evie, of Front Royal, Va.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 29, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home. Her life will be celebrated during services at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, at CrossRoads Community Church, with the Rev. Johnny Walters speaking. Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery following the services.Pallbearers are Duane Richey, Mike Nabors, Aurie Britt, Gary Bray, Mike Wood and Randy Vancuren. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Harp, John Weir, Coy Huff, Glen Nelle, Dee and Charles at Adult Day Care, Dr. Ken Collins and Miss Sue.
Cliff and Joan are members at CrossRoads Community Church. Memorials may be made to CrossRoads, c/o the building fund, 2658 Old Bergman Road, Harrison, AR 72601.
Joan was loved by her husband and adored by her children. She laughed easily, loved unreservedly, and she left this world a better place.
