Joann Edith (Huelsenbeck) Blackwell

Joann Edith (Huelsenbeck) Blackwell, age 61, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, at Baptist Health Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Born on December 18, 1964, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Joann was the cherished daughter of Byron Fredrick Huelsenbeck Sr. and Edith-Ann Josephine (Johansen) Duncan.

Joann shared a loving life with her devoted husband, Kenneth Wayne Blackwell. The two were united in marriage on March 30 in Van Buren, Arkansas, and were blessed with many meaningful years together, building a life rooted in love, family, and faith.

Throughout her working years, Joann served others with compassion as a Certified Nursing Assistant, a role that reflected her caring and selfless nature. While she took pride in her work, her greatest joy came from her family—especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Joann was also a woman of strong Christian faith, which guided her heart and her daily life.

Joann is lovingly survived by her husband, Ken Blackwell; her four children, Holly Davis, Michael Gary Huelsenbeck, Cody Duncan, and Jacob Duncan; her nine beloved grandchildren, Noah, Johnathon, Conner, Ally, Emma, Jaxson, Saint, Melanie, and Ayden; and her sister, Penny.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Byron Huelsenbeck Sr. and Edith-Ann Duncan; her grandchild, Karson; her siblings, David and Robin; and her aunt and uncle, Diane and Charlie.

Family and friends are welcome to drop by and pay their respects during an open viewing from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Lewis Funeral Chapel in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

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