Joy Sorrells

Joy Sorrells was born on June 19, 1941, to Oren and Lecie Sanders and graduated from Lake Hamilton High School in 1959. She met the love of her life, Tommy Sorrells, during a school play in 1958—both were seniors and cast members. After graduating, Joy worked for an insurance company from 1959 to 1962.

Tommy and Joy briefly lost touch when he left for college, but reconnected in the fall of 1959 thanks to a mutual friend, Steve Land, who arranged a double date. Their love quickly rekindled, and they were married on June 3, 1962, and were married for 62 happy years.

That same year, they moved to Magnolia, Arkansas, where Tommy continued his education. Despite modest beginnings—including renting a small home on Main Street for $50 a month—Joy supported their dreams by working as a secretary for a bank president. After Tommy’s graduation, they returned to Hot Springs and built their family home. Joy began working at Arkansas Bank and Trust (now Regions Bank) until 1971, when she chose to stay home to raise their daughter, Traci.

A devoted member of Oaklawn Missionary Baptist Church, Joy served faithfully for over 50 years. She was a beloved Sunday school teacher, dedicating herself to the 2- and 3-year-old class for many years. She also served as the Vacation Bible School (VBS) Director and was actively involved in the church’s youth ministry in her younger years.

Joy had a deep love for family, faith, and hard work. She managed and worked the family farm tirelessly alongside her husband for decades, continuing into her later years. She was known for her rich, productive garden that yielded the most delicious vegetables—favorites among her grandchildren, who often marveled at the meals made from her harvests. Whether she was hauling hay, tending cattle, or canning fresh vegetables, Joy approached every task with quiet strength and grace.

Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her three grandchildren—Kaylee, Jessi, and Weston—whom she adored. Joy spent countless hours planning fun games, crafts, and activities to entertain them and make memories. She never missed an opportunity to watch Weston play baseball and was endlessly proud of her beautiful granddaughters and all they accomplished. Her love, laughter, and encouragement were constant gifts in their lives.

Joy was also a 4-H leader from 1958 to 1971 with the Royal 4-H Club and remained actively involved in the Cattlemen’s Association—often preparing meals with her friend Loyd Dunaway. Though once asked to run for a state office in the Women’s Cattlemen’s Association, Joy declined with a laugh, saying, “Absolutely not!” She much preferred decorating and spent many hours helping with the State Cattlemen’s Convention.

She and Tommy shared a love of travel and made memories together across the country—visiting Florida, Branson, California, the Grand Canyon, Alaska, Disneyworld, Seaworld, and Mexico. They also explored several national parks including the Rocky Mountains, Hoover Dam, and the scenic beauty of Colorado. In 2023, Joy took a very special trip to Chicago to visit her great-grandchildren in 2023, her last journey.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—spending time in her garden, sewing, cooking, and being with her Sunday school class and lifelong friends, especially Pat and Virginia Sanders. She was a proud member of the Lake Hamilton Class of 1959 and cherished the friendships she maintained throughout her life.

Joy is survived by her loving husband, Tommy Sorrells; her daughter, Traci White, and son-in-law, Kevin White; her grandchildren, Kaylee Harks (Jordan), Jessi Franko (Garrett), and Weston Dobyns (Kennedy Campbell); and her great-grandchildren, Zoey and Samuel Harks. She is also survived by her brother, Paul Sanders, and sisters-in-law Pat Sanders and Julia Sorrells. Also leaving behind a host of nephews nieces friends and cousins.

Tommy often said, “She was the prettiest girl in the whole high school—she really was.”

Joy will be remembered for her kindness, unwavering faith, servant’s heart, and deep love for her family. She was always thinking of others and never hesitated to offer help, a meal, or a prayer. Her legacy of love, service, and devotion will live on through the many lives she touched.

Pallbearers: Weston Dobyns, Garrett Franko, Jordan Harks, Jim Sorrells, Jay Campbell, Bruce Fikes
Honorary Pallbearers: Albanee Huckins, Alyssa West, Kayla Bryant, Dakota Singleton (caregivers), Hot Springs Pharmacy and staff, Oaklawn Baptist Sunday School Class

Services will be held Monday April 28, 2025 at 11am the location will be Smith Family Funeral Home Hot Springs. Visitation will be held one hour prior. 

Burial will be at McDowell Cemetery in Royal, Arkansas.