Joan Lafferty Hearnsberger

Joan Lafferty Hearnsberger, a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and dear friend, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025. Born on September 3, 1949, in Heber Springs, Arkansas, Joan was the daughter of Kelley B. Lafferty and Lois B. Evans Meyer. 

After spending her early years in St. Louis, Missouri, her family moved to Little Rock, where she spent the majority of her life. A proud graduate of Little Rock Central High School’s class of 1967, she was captain of the cheerleaders while also serving on the Teen Board at MM Cohn. Joan continued her education at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. There, she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, forging lifelong friendships and creating cherished memories. It was during her time in Fayetteville, in 1968, that fate intervened, and she met the love of her life, Bill Hearnsberger. They married in 1970, embarking on a remarkable journey together that would span 54 years.

In 1971, Joan earned her BS in Biology. She taught biology for two years in Springdale while Bill completed his BS in Civil Engineering. Upon Bill’s graduation, they returned to Little Rock, where Joan contributed her talents to Baptist Medical Center for several years before returning to teaching, this time at Arkansas Baptist High School for four years.

Joan’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted member of Little Rock’s First Baptist Church for 22 years and subsequently found a spiritual home at Fellowship Bible Church for the past 28 years. Her commitment to her faith shone brightly through her dedicated service as a small group leader in the Moms and More/Bloom bible study for young mothers, a role she cherished for over two decades.

Beyond her professional and spiritual endeavors, Joan possessed a creative spirit. She enjoyed assisting with decorating for Bill’s construction clients and had a keen interest in nutrition. However, the greatest joy in Joan and Bill’s life was undoubtedly their two daughters, Carrie and Jan. She was their unwavering supporter, attending countless basketball games and creating treasured memories during long summer days spent at the lake, especially Lake Ouachita and Lake Greeson. Growing up skiing on Greers Ferry Lake, Joan’s love for the water was undeniable, a fact Bill often humorously recounted Joan’s list of necessities “After bedroom, bath, kitchen you need a boat.” The family also enjoyed spending time at their cabin on the Little Red River near Heber Springs.

Joan’s legacy of love and devotion lives on through her beloved husband of 54 years, Bill; her daughters, Carrie Carter (Chuck) and Jan Collins (Jeremy); and her five grandchildren: Caroline Carter Shuffield of Springdale, Annie Carter of Fayetteville, Charlie Carter of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Tate Collins of Conway, and Mylie Collins of Little Rock. She is also survived by her sister, Janet Disarro of McKinney, Texas; her brother- in-law, Dr. John Hearnsberger (Gail) of Nashville, Arkansas; and her niece and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Joan's life will be held on Wednesday, May 14th, at 11:00am at Fellowship Bible Church, 1401 Kirk Road, Little Rock, Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com