Joanne Davis Reagler

Joanne Davis Reagler passed away January 10, 2018. She was preceded in death by her husband, David and her parents, Nathan and Carrie (Karnofsky) Davis. She is survived by her three children, Robin (Marcia), Rachel Reagler Schulman, David (Karen), one sister, Elise Davis Leviton (the late Leslie) and eight grandchildren. She was born on February 17, 1930, in New Iberia, Louisiana. She graduated from Louisiana State University cum laude with a Sociology degree, and earned a Master's degree in Psychiatric Social Work from Tulane University. She married David Reagler on May 3, 1960, and moved to Wynne, Arkansas, where she lived and worked as a community activist for 46 years A 4-time breast cancer survivor, Joanne led the Cross County chapter of the American Cancer Society for a number of years. During that time, the chapter won the top per capita giving award for the state. Joanne owned and operated a successful retail business, Handy Dollar Store, with her husband David until her retirement in 1998. She was voted the Cross County Arkansas Citizen of the Year in 2005. Joanne devoted tremendous energy to volunteer work after moving to Hot Springs. She led the Congregation House of Israel sisterhood chapter to national achievement awards and also served on the synagogue board. She created and led Holocaust awareness programs in the community and schools. The Women of Reform Judaism awarded the sisterhood chapter the Or Ami Award in 2009. She was awarded the Jewish Federation of Arkansas 2011 Tikkun Olam Award. A graveside service will be held on Sunday at 11:45 a.m., at Jewish Rest Cemetery. A Memorial Service will follow at 1 p.m. at the Congregation House of Israel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, PO Box 16528, Jackson, Miss. 39236 (ISJL.org), Writers in the Schools, 1523 West Main Street, Houston, Texas 77006 (witshouston.org) and Congregation House of Israel, P.O. Box 20802, Hot Springs, Ark.71903. Online Obituary and Guestbook are available at www.GrossFuneralHome.com.