Joan Greenwood Koonce

Joan "Jo" Greenwood Koonce of Hot Springs was born in Hickory Ridge, Arkansas on May 16, 1927. She entered Heaven's gates on Monday, November 24, 2014, 25 years to the day after her mother, Nell Greenwood. One of seven children, she graduated with honors from Hickory Ridge High School in 1945. She received a music degree in 1949 from Arkansas State Teacher's College, now Arkansas State University. Jo was often called to play the piano in church and social settings. She was a charter member of Alpha Omega Pi Sorority. She married John R. Koonce in 1949 and shared 43 years being his bride. As John climbed the ranks of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, Joan was a constant supporter and able partner. A consummate mother, homemaker and seamstress, Joan was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends. She devoted her life to the care of others and expressed unconditional love to all she knew. Joan had an unwavering faith in God. For many years she assisted in the primary department of First Baptist Church, where she shared her loved of children and music skills. A long standing member of the Hot Springs Lioness Club, she received the "Lioness of the Year" award on two occasions and served as treasurer for twelve terms. She hosted meetings in her beautiful home and was a peerless hostess. With a charitable heart, she spent much time contributing to many non-profit organizations, and was instrumental in fund raising for the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. Joan was predeceased by her parents Roy and Nell Greenwood and loving husband John. She was also predeceased by brothers, Bobby Greenwood (killed in WWII), David Greenwood, Edwin (Buddy) Greenwood and son-in-law, Ken White. Joan is survived by her daughters, Bobbie Koonce White, Nancy Koonce and friend David Marshall and Tommie Kelly (Tom), granddaughter, Kathryn Kelly Cooper (Casey), brothers, John (Jay) Greenwood (Veva), Sonny Greenwood, Reed Greenwood (Mary Ann), and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. She loved her family. Joan received excellent assistance from her dear caregivers in recent years. Bobbie Koonce White worked tirelessly to assure her mother's comfort and safety. The family gives them and everyone else who cared for Joan their deepest gratitude. Pallbearers are Ben Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Robert Greenwood, David Greenwood, Riley Greenwood, Terry Greenwood, Tom Kelly and David Marshall, Casey Cooper and Sean Greenwood. Honorary Pallbearers: Dr. Tim English, Veva Greenwood, Mary Ann Greenwood, Letrice Kennedy, Glenda Nell Pannell, Rachel Wilder, Ashley Amos, Jamie Hughes, Diana Ward, Val Davenport, Melissa Harmon, First Baptist Church Ladies Ministry and former Lioness Club members. The family will receive guests at Gross Funeral Home. A visitation will be held Saturday, November 29, 2014 from 12-1 p.m. with a funeral service celebrating her life at 1 p.m. at Gross Funeral Home, 120 Wright's St., Hot Springs, Arkansas. Memorial request: Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, Ill. 60601 and American Cancer Society, 901 No. University, Little Rock, Arkansas 72207, 1-800-227-2345. Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10. "Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means." Albert Schweitzer. Guest register at www.grossfuneralhome.com.