Joyce "Sugarbaby" Holden Gibson was born in Dumas, Arkansas on February 4, 1947. She graduated from Reed High School and attended Arkansas AM&N College (now UAPB), where she received her degree in Education in 1968. She completed post graduate work at Henderson State University and the University of Central Arkansas. Joyce was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Prescott, where she remained active until she returned to Dumas to care for her mother.

She taught Home Economics in the Prescott School District, where she retired in 1999. Upon her retirement, she became the librarian for the Nevada County Library and was extremely proud to be a part of the construction and opening of the new Prescott/Nevada County Library and Educational Facility. She retired from the library in 2010, but remained very active in promoting literacy and history in southwest Arkansas.

She is survived by her mother, Vert Lee Lacy Holden, two daughters: Regina Leavel Gibson and Teri Camille Gibson Todd (Jerald), both of Little Rock and her grandson, Jared Holden Todd – whom she affectionately is known as "Joy Joy". Although she was an only child, Joyce also has a host of aunts, uncles and cousins who are her close family and will cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her father, George Holden and her husband of 44 years, Leavel Gibson. Always willing to serve, Joyce was a member of and involved in numerous organizations including: Prescott Kiwanis Club, Arkansas Black History Commission, Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives (SARA) Foundation, Friends of the Library, Southwest Arkansas Regional Library (SWARL) Board, the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association, the National Education Association, the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority  and the Arkansas Education Association.

Joyce was the ultimate cook and gracious host and loved her role as daughter, mother, grandmother and "The Socialite of Prescott." She gave of her time, talents and resources unselfishly, so that others would not be in need.

Viewing will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 16 and family visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at Brazzel Cornish Funeral Home in Prescott, AR. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 17, at Prescott High School Auditorium in Prescott, AR. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Star City, AR.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joyce's memory to:

Friends of the Library

121 West Main Street
Prescott, AR 71857-3606