On April 25, 2024, Joan Francis Walker's faith became sight as she passed from this life into the presence of her Lord and Savior after a good and long life of 87 years.  Joan was born on October 22, 1936, to John T. and Fairy W. Francis in Clark Co., Arkansas.  She was greeted into the family by five brothers (Roy, Guy, Nyal, Tom Ed and Jimmy Neil) and one sister (Ruth) all of whom predeceased her, along with her parents.  She was also predeceased by Wanda Francis, a very special sister-in-law.

Joan met Curtis Gober and they married in 1957 establishing their home in Malvern.  To that union Alan Gober (Dewana) was born whom she loved fiercely.  She acquired two children by choice-Ann Page (Gary) and Curtis Gober, Jr. (LaNeita) and loved them dearly.  Joan was very involved in Curt's business, especially after he became ill.

After Curt's passing, Joan married Steve A. Walker from whom she acquired two additional children-Stephen Walker (Martha) and Ann Wooldridge (Mike).  They too were loved dearly by her.  Steve and Joan owned and operated Malvern Appliance & Service Co. for many years.  It was a true partnership.

Joan was a long-time member of Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church in Malvern.  After Steve's passing, she moved to Hot Springs and joined Meadowview Missionary Baptist Church.  She loved both of these churches and was always a strong supporter of each of her pastors.

Joan loved and lived large, and she was always up for a shopping trip when a good bargain was to be had.  She never mastered online shopping – but loved to do so in person with her good friend Jean Dugan.

Joan leaves all of her children behind to remember her.  Additionally, she was Mama Jo to eight grandchildren - Kirk Gober (Amy), Kale Gober (Kaitlen), Leah McLeod, Stephanie Mauldin (Marty), Carrie Mauldin, Westly Chaloupka (David), David Wooldridge (Dawn), and Brian Wooldridge.  She also enjoyed 12 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren with another one due in the Fall.  Joan also loved some special relatives very much – her nieces and nephews (Bettye, Todd, Barry, Brian, Sheri, Becky, Bobbie, Janice, Tamera, and Judy).

A celebration of Joan's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church in Malvern with Bro. Eli Maynard and Dr. Shaun Holland officiating, and under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home.  Joan's family will be reminiscing and sharing stories about her memory with friends during a visitation time beginning at 12:30 prior to the service.  Active pallbearers will be Kirk Gober, Kale Gober, David Wooldridge, Michael Wooldridge, David Chaloupka, Blake Purnell, and John Oliver Albright.

Our family would like to thank some very special people who took care of Joan.  Jennifer, Weskey, Yolanda, Jessi, Marisol, Shontae, Bridget, Stephanie, Dolce', Nancy, and Clayton at Brookfield always treated her with love and compassion as did her medical team of Laura Odle, APRN, Dr. Laura Lester, Dr. Michael Hubbard, and Shelyn Davis, PD.  You were true angels.

Memorials are requested to Emmanuel Baptist Church, Malvern, Arkansas, or to Meadowview Missionary Baptist Church, 1760 Hwy 270, Malvern, AR 72104.