Joyce Yarbrough

Lilyenne Joyce Yarbrough was born in Bucklin, KS, on February 21, 1933, the youngest of seven children born to Luther and Inez (Alspach) Craycraft.  She and her family moved to Green Forest, AR in 1936, where she graduated from high school in 1950. 

Joyce was a strong believer in Jesus Christ and served Him throughout her life by serving as a Sunday school teacher and superintendent, playing the piano and singing in the church choir, serving on various committees, and trying to be an effective witness to all of those around her.  

She was also an avid gardener, swimmer, horseback rider, and hiker. 

On June 1, 1957, she was united in marriage with Billy Dean (Bill) Yarbrough.  They were married for 52 years until Bill’s death in 2009.  To this union, two children were born: Johnathon Brett Yarbrough and Candace Alanna (Yarbrough) Scheller. 

Joyce graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1955 with a degree in physical education. Over the course of her career, she taught elementary and high school PE, high school biology, one year in special ed, was a cheerleading and pep club sponsor, and started a girls’ track team at Berryville High School.  She spent the last 10 years of her 40-year teaching career teaching GED classes to adults.

She is survived by her son, Brett Yarbrough and his wife Teresa of Green Forest; daughter Candy Scheller and husband Brian of Blackwell, OK; sister Wanda Crone of El Reno, OK; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Green Forest United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 11, at 2:00 PM. 

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