Joan St. John Curtner

Mrs. Joan St. John Curtner, of Newport, Ark., departed this life at her home on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013 at the age of 83. She was born Jan. 25, 1930, in Memphis, Tenn., the first child of Joe and Louise (Darden) St. John. Growing up in Memphis, Mrs. Curtner had the opportunity to enjoy, experience, and grow to develop a wide range of interests. She especially enjoyed time spent outdoors, hiking, fishing, tennis, and swimming. She was a 1948 Graduate of The Hutchinson School for Girls in Memphis. Following her high school graduation, she attended college at Sweet Briar in Virginia. Mrs. Curtner was a Memphis Debutante in 1949. Mr. Tom Curtner moved to Memphis to attend the National Hardwood Inspection School in 1949, and it was there he met his future wife, Miss Joan St. John. The couple married on Feb. 14, 1950. After their marriage, they lived in Los Angeles, Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Mobile, Ala., before settling in Stuttgart in 1955. In 1967, the Curtner Family made their home in Newport, where they raised their family, doted on their grandchildren, and enjoyed life. Throughout the years Mrs. Curtner especially enjoyed reading, flowers, entertaining, corresponding with friends, and even fly-fishing. Because of her interest in politics, she also enjoyed working the polling precincts during election time. Mrs. Curtner loved traveling with her husband, family, and friends. Her favorite destinations were Alaska, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Africa. Anyone who knew this lovely Southern lady, knew that her family and her Church were her greatest loves. She genuinely loved time spent as a homemaker. Mrs. Curtner's strong faith, love of the Church and of children led her to many years of service teaching Children's Chapel at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Newport. In 2005, the Nursery of the Church was dedicated to Mrs. Curtner for her many years of service to St. Paul's and it's children. She also served for many years as an officer of the Arkansas Episcopal Church Women, and twice she was a delegate to the National Episcopal Church Convention. Mrs. Joan St. John Curtner loved and enjoyed her life to the fullest. She loved the Lord, she loved her family and friends, she loved to laugh, to dance and she loved to eat chocolate. Memories of this sweet wife, mother, grandmother "Chug", sister, and friend will be shared with a smile for many years. Mrs. Curtner was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Thomas Robert Curtner, on April 20, 2013; one granddaughter, Jennifer Leigh Curtner, on March 30, 2007; her parents, and her step-father, Curt Parham. Mrs. Curtner is survived by two sons, Clay Curtner and wife, Elisabeth, of Newport and Zack Curtner and wife, Marcia, of Newport; two daughters, Melissa Curtner of Newport and Jennifer Bundrick and husband, Richard, of Springdale, Ark.; and nine grandchildren, who lovingly called her "Chug", Robert Curtner and wife, Rachel, Marion Curtner Donat and husband, Clark, Taylor Curtner, Jimbo Welch, Natalie Curtner, Caleb Bundrick, Thomas Welch, Jacob Bundrick and Katie Bundrick. Also surviving are one sister, Judy St. John Grisso of Fayetteville, and one brother, John St. John of Colorado. Memorial services will be 11:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12, 2013 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Newport officiated by Rev. Dr. Dan McKee, Rev. J. Russell Snapp, and Deacon Brooks Cato. A reception will follow the service, and the family will greet friends at St. Paul's parish house. Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 301 Hazel Street, Newport, Ark. 72112, the Jennifer Leigh Curtner Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Merchants and Planters Bank, P.O. Box 650, Newport, Ark. 72112, or the Alzheimer's Association of Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72205-1409. The Family of Joan Curtner wishes to express their great appreciation to her devoted and beloved caregivers, Pat Shipman, Melissa Efird, Christy Mitchell, Haley Moody, and Kim Tapp. To light a memorial candle, leave a condolence, or view the guest book, visit our website at www.jacksonsfh.com. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home.