Joyce Clayton Obituary

JONESBORO - Joyce Mae Kincaid Clayton, 86, of Jonesboro, entered into eternal glory on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House. She was a beloved mother, wife, sister, aunt, "Mamaw," and educator.

Joyce was born June 3, 1939, in Caraway, to Elmer and Birdie Kincaid, and was a lifelong resident of Craighead County. She attended school in Caraway and later obtained her GED. While working as a Parent Educator for Jonesboro Public Schools, she attended Arkansas State University at night and during the summer. She graduated in 1977 with a BSE in Elementary Education and began teaching 1st grade at Weiner Elementary School in Weiner, in the fall of 1977. She taught there for 25 years. Besides her passion for her family and teaching, she was also a member of Wood Street Assembly of God Church, an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, a member of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), where she obtained the KOPS status, and a participant of the Silver Sneakers program, where she won the 2015 national Swanson Award.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Gene, whom she was married to for 57 years, five brothers, and three sisters.

She is survived by her three children: Barbara Jenkins (Jim), Sandra Gambill (David), and Dr. Jeff Clayton (Nancy Sue), her five grandchildren: Jesse Jenkins (Michelle), Jade Bryan (Danny), Dr. Jason Gambill (Jessica), Justin Gambill (Trista), and Dr. Taylor Gambill (Victoria), and her great-grandchildren: Ephraim Gambill, JJ Jenkins, Parker Bryan, Shepherd Gambill, Drake Gambill, Max Jenkins, Raylee Gambill, Imogene Gambill, Brooklyn Bryan, Finn Jenkins, Jasper Gambill, and Livvy Jo Gambill. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including Jackie Jones (Tim), Dee Conklin (Kevin), and Steven Kincaid (Jamie).

The family would like to express gratitude to the employees of St. Bernard Village and the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House for the wonderful care she received.

Visitation at Gregg's Funeral Home will be on Thursday, Sept. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m., and the funeral service will also be at Gregg's on Friday, Sept. 5, at 2 p.m. Internment at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery will follow the service.

Pallbearers are Jesse Jenkins, Dr. Jason Gambil, Justin Gambill, Dr. Taylor Gambill, Tim Jones, and Dustin Cole. Honorary Pallbearers are Sharron Hutton and the members of the Jonesboro TOPS club. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: Hillcrest Children's Home of Hot Springs, as well as Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House.

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible." Matthew 19:26.