Brenda Joyce McGarity of Des Arc passed peacefully from this life on Thursday, March 26, 2026 with her family by her side. Joyce was born on August 16, 1941 to Alvin “Dump” and Gwen Walters. She was the oldest of five children.

Joyce was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She married Donald Gene McGarity of Brinkley on February 12, 1968 and they had a good life together until his death on October 19, 2016. Family was among her greatest joys and time with them was treasured. Joyce’s three children and Don’s four girls made a family larger than the Brady Bunch.

Joyce attended school in Des Arc and was a member of the Class of 1958. She attended business classes after high school where she learned skills she used throughout her professional career while working for Eldridge Supply Company and later the Brinkley Housing Authority. Joyce was a dedicated and valued employee with every job she held.

While living in Brinkley, Joyce was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. After moving to Des Arc she transferred her membership to the First United Methodist Church where she was active in the George Ford Sunday School Class and the United Methodist Women’s group.

Some of Joyce’s hobbies included spending time at the lake, traveling, shopping, gardening, and square dancing. Joyce and Don’s blended family enjoyed trips to the lake, especially Greers Ferry Lake around the Sugar Loaf Mountain area. Many hours were spent camping, boating, skiing, and swimming in the lake. After the children grew up and started lives of their own, Joyce traveled with Don and with other friends. There are many tales that can’t be told of trips that Joyce, Judy, Cordelia, and Delma took.

Joyce and Don were a part of Brinkley Squares, a very active square dance group that danced locally and traveled. They danced at the National Square Dance Convention more than once.

Joyce took pride in her gardening. When she and Don lived in Brinkley they always had a large vegetable garden. Later in her life, after she moved to her “little house” in Des Arc she worked hard and developed some beautiful flower beds around her home. Many have commented on her green thumb, especially with her beautiful red roses.

Shortly after Don’s death, Joyce was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. She lived with the disease for many years until it began to take its toll and she moved to long-term care at the Woodruff County Health Center in April of 2024. Joyce made many good friends in McCrory. Many of the staff commented on how they loved her and a few even called her mom.

Joyce is survived by daughters, Donna (Frank) Taylor of Jacksonville, Terri (Doug) Gross of Des Arc, Desira (Andy) Perry of Sherwood, Angelique McClain of Florida, Collette Edgin, and Babette McGarity of Little Rock. Grandchildren, Jennifer Mawhinney, Rebecca (Greg) Bell, Faith Gross, Scott Kirksey, Amber (Dustin) Cearly, and Jared Brewer. Nine great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. Brothers, Danny (Sherry) Walters of Hazen, Carl Edward “Butch” (Cordelia) Walters of Des Arc, Mike (Janet) Walters of Cabot, and sister Judy Burnett of Des Arc.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Gwen Walters, husband Don McGarity, son William Aaron “Bubba” Clark, grandson Christopher Gross, granddaughter Chastity Dent, and brother-in-law Doyle Burnett.