Joan "Joie" Nutt

JOAN "JOIE" NUTT, 86, of North Little Rock passed away Wednesday, January 13, 2021. She was born on July 24, 1934 in Elaine, Ark. to the late Sid and Frankie Thompson. Joie was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, John W. Nutt; son, Kevin Nutt; nephew, Steve Thompson and brother, Gene Thompson. Joie is survived by her son, David (Lisa) Nutt; daughter, Sharon (Scott) Saunders; grandchildren, Melissa (John Mark) Saviers, Sarah (Clint) Davis, Laura (Peter) Treadwell, Mallory (Tyler) Davis, Jenna (Nicole) Essa, Austin Nutt, nine great-grandchildren, and her nephew Tony (Tracy) Thompson. Joie grew up in Little Rock, Ark. and graduated from Little Rock High School in 1952. She then attended and graduated from Henderson State University. Joie married her childhood sweetheart, John Nutt on June 1, 1956. John and Joie were married 51 years until John's death in 2007. Joie taught high school English in the Russellville school district while John earned his degree at Arkansas Tech University. Following his graduation John joined the Army and the couple moved to Ft Benning, Georgia and later to Germany. John and Joie moved their growing family to North Little Rock after a medical condition ended his career in the Army. John joined his father in building a thriving family business. Joie raised their three children and worked in the family business for many years. All through her life Joie forged deep and lasting friendships. From her junior high group of 13 nicknamed the "dirty 13", friendships at Henderson, friendships formed during the Army years and later on Topf Road and Lakewood United Methodist Church where she was a member of the George Martin Sunday School class. Joie loved being mom and volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader, Boy Scout Den Mother, Sunday School teacher and car pool mom. Joie was an artist. In high school her art class was invited to paint Christmas murals on the windows of local businesses and work up ads for MM Cohn. Her cherished Santa Claus paintings were sold at The Heights Art Gallery annual Christmas Shows. She painted many beautiful paintings over the years for friends and family. Her Calligraphy talent made her a sought-after calligrapher for party and wedding invitations. Joie loved her family with all her heart. She loved being a grandmother and her six grandchildren will always remember the times they spent in Grandy's amazing playroom. The family wishes to thank the wonderful healthcare providers at Aviner Memory Care at Little Rock and Hospice Home Care. Memorials may be made to Lakewood United Methodist Church, 1922 Topf Road, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116. A private graveside service will be held in the family lot at Roselawn Memorial Park in Little Rock by Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.