Joyce E. Batts

Joyce E. Batts, 96, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on August 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 16, 1929, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Herbert and Mildred Holbert.

In her younger years, Joyce worked as a nurse at the Nevada State Hospital, a job she truly loved. She and her husband, John Batts Sr., shared a passion for travel and adventure, moving to various parts of the country together. Their five children were born in Jacksonville, Florida, and in 1970, the family relocated to Reno, Nevada. Later, in 2005, they settled in Fort Smith to enjoy their retirement years.

Joyce was a devoted woman of God; many considered her His right hand. She lived her life grounded in faith and deeply loved her family. She often expressed how blessed she felt to have the time to witness her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow, cherishing every moment she had with them. Joyce had a servant’s heart, always ready to care for others both through her nursing career and her work in the community. She was quick to lend a hand to anyone in need and was profoundly grateful for God’s love and mercy throughout her life. Even in her final days, she continually gave thanks to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit for every blessing.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, John E. Batts Sr.; her son, John E. Batts Jr.; her daughter, April Batts Robinson; and five of her siblings.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith in her children: Lesie Iverson and husband Tom, Sharon Boyce and husband John, and son Roy E. Batts Sr. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Glenn Pitts, Donny Robinson, Donny Thomas, April Joy, Jeremy Corless, Roy Batts Jr., Wendi Guasch, Aaron Batts, John E. Batts III (Trey), JC Boyce, Justin Boyce, and Jared Boyce; 17 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; her brother, John Cameron; and a large extended family of friends and her cherished church community.

Joyce was a cornerstone of Glad Tidings Family Worship Center, where her presence, faith, and spirit will be deeply missed.

A funeral service to honor Joyce’s life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Glad Tidings Family Worship Center, 1400 N Albert Pike Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72904. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service.