Joyce Spencer Connell,   93, of Bella Vista, Arkansas died April 29, 2024. She was born on September 15, 1930, in Dalhart, Texas to Dan W. Spencer and Mildred Inez (Gould) Spencer.

She graduated from Dalhart High School in Dalhart, Texas on May 21, 1948. Received Associate Arts Degree from Colorado Woman's College, Denver Colorado on June 1, 1950, where she was a member of French Club, Student Christian Association and Delta Tau Kappa.  She received her Bachelor of Science of Education Degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas on June 3, 1952, where she was a member of Methodist Student Movement and Sigma Kappa Sorority.  She taught in Dallas Public School System in Dallas, Texas and Bay Public Schools in Bay, Arkansas.  She was a member of the Bella Vista First United Methodist Church and a member of Chapter BV P.E.O. Sisterhood.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rev. William P. Connell; and her sisters, Rosalie Johnson, and Lynn Gilbert.

She is survived by her daughter, Ellen M. Mitchell and her husband, Timothy N. Permenter of Elkins, Arkansas; daughter, Susan C. Jones and her husband, Michael Jones of Berryville, Arkansas and her son, Thomas William Connell and his wife, Kathy, of Longmont Colorado; 4 grandchildren, Jason and Keith Connell, Michelle T. Paty, and Tyler Toubeau; and 4 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Bella Vista, 20 Boyce Drive, Bella Vista, AR 72715.

Arrangements are made by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory where online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.