Joan Ray Whitmore (Joani)

Joan Ray Whitmore (Joani) went home to be with her Lord Wednesday, April 24, 2013. She passed away at her home in Harrison with her husband of 56 years by her side. She was born at home in Hedley, Texas, the daughter of Ray and Oleta (Mann) Moreman on October 6, 1932.

Joan was the paramount example of a Proverbs 31 woman; always gracious, willing to serve others, and lovingly devoted to her husband and family.

Joan earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music from North Texas State University. She was a pioneer in the area of music therapy and used her education to help special needs children in the community develop a love for music. She brought music with her wherever she went. She filled her home with it, she played at nursing homes, and taught piano lessons most of her life. For years, the Episcopal Church rang with the sound of her organ music on Sunday mornings. Her love and desire for music to be in our community got her involved with the Northwest Arkansas Concert Association and the Apollo Music Club. Joan was passionate about her community and loyal to her country. She was involved with the Republican Woman’s Club.

She was married to Clifford Sims Whitmore, DVM, on September 2, 1957, in Clarendon, Texas. They became residents of Boone County Arkansas in 1958.

Joan is survived by her husband, Clifford Sims Whitmore, of Harrison. Her son, Clifford Sims Whitmore, II and wife Linda of Franklin, Tennessee and their two daughters, Katherine and Jennifer Whitmore. Her daughter, Julia Lynn (Whitmore) Davies and husband John of Fredericksburg, Texas and their son Jacob Davies and their daughter Jamye Davies. Her son, Mark Cameron Whitmore and wife Lisa of Harrison, Arkansas and their daughters Cameron and Megan Whitmore and their son Walker Whitmore.

Joan had two brothers, Jack Moremorn and wife Fredie Jo of Clarendon, Texas and David Moreman and wife Evie of Front Royal, Virginia.

Cliff and Joan are members at Cross Roads Community Church. Joan was loved by her husband and adored by her children. She laughed easily, loved unreservedly, and she left this world a better place.