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Joyce Heird Obituary

Joyce Heird of Conway, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Born on March 27, 1943, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, she was the only child of Harlis and Pearl Kinsey, both of whom preceded her in death.

She and Joe Heird met at Arkansas Tech in Russellville, Arkansas, where they were both students. They were married on Dec. 23, 1962. During their 63-year-long marriage, they lived in Germany, Oklahoma, Indiana, Louisiana and Arkansas. They had four daughters: Retha (Jim) Sellmer, Janina (Mark) Cambiano, Lora (Ward) Boone and Kerry (Lee) Jones. They had seven grandchildren: Christian Eggensperger and Audrey Eggensperger; Ethan (Blaire) Boone, Gwen Boone and Kinsey Boone; and Dr. MaryBeth Jones and Holly Jones. They also had one great-grandchild, Alexander Boone.

Joyce Heird was known for her lively mind, her sense of humor, her skills and creativity in sewing, a kitchen where she produced the most amazing food and her deep love of family and many friends.

Her family expresses deepest appreciation for her devoted caregivers, Terena Foster, Aundrea Tackett and Benitha Farr, who supported Joyce in her valiant fight against Alzheimer's.

Memorial gifts may be directed to First United Methodist Church in Conway, where she was a long-time member of the Round Table Sunday School Class. She will be interred at the Columbarium at the church.

The service will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Conway, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Capital Gazette on Feb. 18, 2026.

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Billy Smith

February 23, 2026

Terry first met Joyce in 1980 when she and Joe moved into Lakeview Acres. Joyce told Terry that her husband, Joe, liked to hunt and fish. Terry said the same for me. So we became acquainted with the Heirds and we have had a long-standing friendship. Joyce and Joe would attend cookouts at our place and we at theirs. In the cookouts we became acquainted with Joyce´s fantastic cooking skills. I remember one of my favorite dishes was her banana pudding, it was so good! On a humorist note, one day I visited Joyce when she was cooking livers and onions. It smelled delicious and she asked if I wanted some. I said "sure" and ate it. She asked if I wanted seconds and I replied "I don´t want to eat all of your and Joe´s dinner." Joyce said that´s ok, I was cooking it for the dog. Joyce was also a great seamstress and when our daughter, Lee graduated from high school, she made a unique spread that folded up into a pillow. Joyce was talented in many ways and helped Joe raise their family and assisted him in many family activities. Joe was a faithful husband who took wonderful care of Joyce during her illness and is a great example to others. Our condolences to Joe and the family on the loss of your beloved wife and mother.

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Memorial Events
for Joyce Heird

Feb

24

Service

Fellowship Hall, First United Methodist Church

1610 Prince Street, Conway, AR 72034

Feb

24

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

First United Methodist Church

1610 Prince Street, Conway, AR 72034

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