Joy Palsa Mason, 84, of Carlisle, died peacefully on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at Lakewood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in North Little Rock due to complications from Alzheimer’s. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God and the love and prayers of family and friends lessened her burden in her final days.
A longtime resident of Carlisle, and a regular, active member of the First Baptist Church of Carlisle for decades, Joy was a faithful servant to God. As a loyal member of the Bible Study Fellowship for 8 years, she loved her church and much of her life was spent in service of it.
Joy was born in Woodlawn, Arkansas (Lonoke County) on August 8, 1932 to parents, John Edward and Carra (Johnson) Palsa who both preceded her in death. In 1949, the same year she graduated from Carlisle High School, she married her husband for the next 53 years, William Archie Mason, Jr., to whom she remained a loyal and faithful partner until his death in 2002.
Known for her kind and gentle disposition and strength from faith and family, Joy was a loving and compassionate wife, mother, and friend. Along with her dedication to church and family, Joy was an administrative assistant for the Superintendent of Carlisle Schools for years and also spent time in the trust department at Citizen’s Bank & Trust in Carlisle. She also was involved in several other civic organizations including the Carlisle Chamber of Commerce, Progressive Club and especially, the Carlisle Alumni Association.
In addition to her brothers, Jim (Jean) Palsa of Winchester, Arkansas and Tim (Sue) Palsa of Carlisle, Joy is survived by her two children, John William Mason (len) of Sherwood, Arkansas and LaQuita Mason Bennett (Billy) of Carlisle and three grandchildren, John Mason Bennett (Miranda) of Oxford, Mississippi; Chad Michael Bennett (Brea) of Carlisle, and Amber Bennett Bynum (Martin) of Little Rock, and eight great-grandchildren, Lily Bennett and Weston Bennett; Mary Mason Bennett, Brooks Bennett, and Walker Bennett; Bennett Bynum, LauraBeth Bynum and Welles Bynum and many other beloved nieces, nephews, friends and relatives.
A visitation for family and friends of Joy will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 12 at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, October 13 at the First Baptist Church in Carlisle. Burial will be in the Carlisle Cemetery.
Memorials in memory of Joy can be made to the Carlisle Alumni Association, 825 East 6th Street, Carlisle, Arkansas 72024.
LaQuita and John, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I had some good times with Joy, both as an employee of the Carlisle School District and as a friend at the Bridge table. I have fond memories and you have many more to remember. I wish for you both Peace, and Joy. Becky Brewer- Lewis
My mother, Ruth Seymore, is in Lakewood Nursing Center and I never went to see my Mother without stopping to see Mrs. Mason. She always had that beautiful smile and I loved her so much . I have fond memories of Thanksgiving meals at the Center . My prayers and thoughts are with you
Ruth, Zelma and James Seymore
John and Ien,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Love and prayers to LaQuita, Billy and their family. Her life will live on through all of you.
LaQuita,
Your Mother was such a sweet lady and a real joy to be around. Prayers for strength during this time.
LaQuita,
Your Mother was such a sweet lady and so much fun to be around. Prayers for strength during this time.
Annette
Quita,
Richard and I are so saddened to hear this news. She was a wonderful woman and will be truly missed. Prayers for acceptance, peace and healing for all of you.
You will see her again.
Susan