1937-2026
With hearts full of love and gratitude, for a life beautifully lived we celebrate the life of our beloved mother and grandmother, Joan Leslie Ramsey. Joan went home to be with the Lord on Friday February 20th in her home surrounded by her family.
Joan, affectionately known as “Mamaw Josie,” was the very definition of southern hospitality. Her kitchen was her sanctuary, and everyone knew that if you stepped through her door, you were leaving fed-whether you came for sunday dinner or just “ to visit a minute”. She was famous for her macaroni & tomatoes and fried chicken- simple dishes made extraordinary by the love she stirred into every pot. It wasn’t just food, it was comfort, tradition, and HOME.
Holidays were sacred in her home-flour on the counter, laughter in the air, and grandchildren underfoot. She didn’t just cook meals; she made memories.
She had a gift for making everyone feel like family. Whether you were kin by blood or just simply blessed to know her, she treated you with warmth, kindness, and a gentle strength that anchored those around her. To so many, she was not just a mother or a grandmother but a steady, nurturing presence- truly a mother to all.
She offered advice without judgement, prayers without ceasing, and hugs that would make everything feel alright again. If you needed comfort, she had it. If you needed the truth, she gave it gently…most of the time. If you needed love, she poured it out freely.
Her legacy lives on in every shared meal, every family photograph on a porch, every handwritten recipe card, and every gentle reminder to stay connected- just like she taught us. Though our hearts ache in her absence, we take comfort knowing Heaven gained a gracious hostess-apron on, arms open, ready to welcome us all someday.
Her front porch was one of her favorite places. It wasn’t just a porch, it was a gathering place. It held family pictures, Sunday conversations, grandchildren’s laughter, and countless memories captured in both photographs and in our hearts. It was where her grandchildren became best friends. If you drove by, you would see her just beyond her famous azaleas with a smile on her face ready to wave and call out her familiar “come back and see me, now.”
Joan Leslie Ramsey, 88, of Wynne passed away Friday February 20th at her home surrounded by her family.
Joan was born April 21, 1937 in Forrest City to Minnie Heath and Alva Leslie. She attended Forrest City School where she was a star on the lady’s basketball team. She married her beloved Billy Paul Ramsey on May 8, 1954. Together they shared 60 years of marriage until his passing.
Joan was devoted to her community and her time at Cross County Special workshop, where her kindness and steady spirit touched many lives. She believed in showing up for people- with her time, her cooking, her listening ear, and her unwavering love.
She is survived by her sons: Bill Ramsey Jr. (wife Kellye), Leslie Ramsey (wife Kaye), Jeff Ramsey, John Ramsey (wife Teresa), and daughter Linda Fowler (husband Wayne) all of Wynne. Grandchildren: Angie Triplett (Ron) of Marion, Courtney Hirons (Nick), Claire Eaton (Brody), Ty Griffin (Lisa), Emily Griffin (Drew), Liz Brawner (Kurt) all of Wynne, John Hunter Ramsey (Jessica) of Forrest City, and Dillon Ramsey of Walnut Ridge. Great grandchildren: Bo, Kade, and Kolbie Triplett - Hudson, Finley, and Amelia Hirons - Elle, Lucy, Georgia, and Sloane Eaton - Grady and Hallie Jo Griffin - Eliza Kate Brawner - Hunter and Nora Jane Ramsey - Jax, Wes, and Brynn Ramsey. And one living sister, Carolyn McKay.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Billy and one daughter, Debbie Ramsey Griffin.
Visitation will be 1:00pm to 2:00pm Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Union Avenue Baptist Church in Wynne. Funeral Services will follow starting at 2:00pm. Bro Jamie Franks and Bro. Dusty Rhodes officiating. Burial will be at Cogbill Cemetery. Pallbearers are John Hunter Ramsey, Dillon Ramsey, Hudson Hirons, Ty Griffin, Kade Tripplet, and Keith Griffin.
Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service of Star City.
