JoAnn Douthit Epperson was born on January 18, 1939 to the late Coy Douthit and Hazel Brannon Douthit in the Bottoms south of Atkins, Arkansas.

JoAnn married her best buddy, best friend and the love of her life Robert Farrell Epperson June 25, 1955. Together they shared an amazing life for 55 years 7 months 16 days of family, missionary work, retirement, traveling, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their ministry took them to North Pole, Alaska where they raised their family. They eventually retired to Niangua and Mansfield, MO, then onto Milton, FL. Four years ago they ended up back in Atkins, AR.

JoAnn served as a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and a Licensed Practical Nurse while serving her Master as a Pastor’s Wife. She also served as an arbitrator between nephews, nieces, and grandchildren making sure to keep Uncle Bob or Grandpa in line and making him play fair. JoAnn was a member of Union Grove Free Will Baptist Church where she first attended at the age of 4.

She is survived by her husband; two children, Farrell (Don) Epperson and his wife Cindy of Harrison, AR, and Tammie Franz and her husband Joe of Gulfshores, AL; eight grandchildren, Joshua Epperson, Amber Allison, Barry Epperson, Kyle Epperson, Greg West, Rianna West, Jake Franz and Kelly Franz; 2 great-grandchildren, Rohn Michael Allison and Mason Lee West, all of whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by one brother, Rev. Wayne Douthit and wife Maudie of Mabelvale, AR; 3 sisters, Martha Nell Brace of Lincoln, NE, Betty Lou Vickers of Little Rock, AR, Ella Mae Alder and husband John of Fairbanks, AK; and by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many, many friends and loved ones around the globe.

Funeral services are 2:00 PM Monday, February 14, at Lemley Chapel with the Rev. Marlin Douthit and Rev. Jackie Townsell officiating. Visitation is Sunday from 2:00-4:00 PM.

Pallbearers are Kevin Douthit, Michael Douthit, Kenny Douthit, Allen Vickers, Larry Rice, Jeremy Epperson, Phillip Boren and Richey Boren.