Joyce Savage

With profound sadness and great sorrow, the family of Nina Joyce Laws Savage, age 94, announces her peaceful passing to heaven on April 12, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Joyce was born February 6, 1931, with twin sister June Laws Latham to Fannye Arney Laws and Cecil Otis Laws. Joyce spent her childhood years in the Willallia community of Rockcastle County, Kentucky, and was a 1949 Brodhead High School graduate. She was remembered as a Brodhead Tiger cheerleader and talented barrel walker.

Joyce and her husband, Frank, were married for 58 years. They raised their children, Gayle, Bryan, Byron, and Jill, in various states across the U.S. and traveled to many countries around the world. Joyce embodied the Christian faith and always put others ahead of herself. She never failed to give of her time and talents and was always involved in her church, including serving as church secretary on several occasions.

An avid golfer, she always enjoyed playing in her women’s leagues and often served as an officer. She loved cheering on her beloved Kentucky Wildcats, even after moving to Arkansas. Joyce’s family and friends recall her especially bright smile and sweet laugh, as well as her welcoming kindness, good humor, intelligence, compassion, and generosity. She exuded love, understanding, care, joy, and strength. Her family marveled at her consistent good humor and grace throughout life’s ups and downs. She was kind and loving to all animals, especially dogs, and was an excellent cook.

Her life was full and vibrant, but her deep devotion to her family was at the heart of everything she did. She offered constant unconditional love and encouragement to her four children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, husband Frank, twin sons Bryan and Byron Savage, twin sister June Laws Latham, and brother Byron Otis Laws. She is survived by two daughters, Gayle Savage Davidson, Atlanta, GA, and Jill Savage Martin, Little Rock, AR; son-in-law David Frederick Martin; grandchildren, Dr. Amber Michelle Davidson, Dr. Shayn Savage Davidson, Dr. Megan Joy Davidson, and Ava Laws Martin; and two great-grandchildren, Oliver Savage Davidson and Caleb Savage Davidson.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 18th, at 11:00 a.m. at Providence Church of Christ, 109 Providence Cemetery Rd., Brodhead, KY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Village Weekend Activities Fund at 510 North Brookside Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205.

Local arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114. 501-758-1170.