Mary Joan Rorex

Mary Joan Rorex, born March 7, 1931, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to William and Bonnie Speakman, passed away peacefully.

Mary Joan pursued her passion for education at the University of Tennessee, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. She later obtained a master's degree in the same field from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Her dedication to nurturing young minds led her to a long career in teaching before she became the director of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Kids First Arkansas program, where she made a lasting impact on early childhood education.

She was preceded in death by her son, Mark Thomas Rorex. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Rorex Edmunds; grandsons James Edmunds (Tiffany) and Mark Edmunds (Melanie); and great-grandchildren Aiden, Faith, Thomas. Timothy. and Jacqueline.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arkansas Hospice in her memory.