Today, we announce the passing and celebrate the life of Joyce Fischer Hendricks of Des Arc. Joyce was born April 17, 1928, and passed away peacefully March 19, 2026, at Unity Health in Searcy, Arkansas, at the age of 97. 

Her work and dedication to the community, and her bottomless energy touched all. Joyce was a friend to many, and kind to all that she met.  Throughout her long and full life, she gave in more ways than can be recounted, working with the ambulance service, or participating in civic events with her late husband Merlin, or her constant participation in quilting events.

No matter what the person or need, Joyce gave wholeheartedly in any way she could to help those in need. Many will remember her as the steady EMT who helped them during an emergency; or will think back on her love and support of community children.

Joyce was a woman of many talents–knitting, sewing, crocheting, quilting, cooking, baking, oil painting, ceramics, and stained-glass artistry. But her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, sharing her skills and love. Joyce was a masterful storyteller and patient teacher, especially in the kitchen, where she taught the joy and art of cooking.

She loved to travel, and no adventure was too great or too small when her mind was set. With friends and Merlin, Joyce traveled across the country, experiencing all the majesty of the world and pushing the accepted boundaries of what young couples could do in her time.

Most of all, she loved and cherished her family, and as the matriarch of her expansive clan, always made sure to remind you that she was the last of the old guard. We remember her biting wit; her love of good gossip; her need for coffee that always had a little too much Irish Cream; that she always had a recipe ready to share and a fresh loaf of bread to take home. Seldom could you escape her home without a cup of tea and enough food to make you forget that you had eaten the hour before.

Joyce is remembered by her children, Judy Bone (Gerald) and Allen Hendricks (Shirley); grandchildren Virginia Spears (Chris), Todd Hendricks, Wendy Kinder; and great grandchildren Alex Moe (Jessica), Bailey Palmer (Carlos), Claire Clay, Kurt and Brooks Hendricks, Ethan, Drew, and Ava Kinder.

It’s difficult to put into words just how many lives Joyce touched, and though each of us will hold our own cherished memories in our hearts, we can all rest assured that we were all blessed to call her our friend, mother, Granny. She will truly be missed.