Virginia Joyce Oliver Dempsey

Virginia Joyce Way Dempsey, 78, of Stuttgart passed away Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at Chambers Nursing and Rehab in Carlisle after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Joyce was born Feb. 19, 1946, in Conway to Philip Eldean Way and Evelyn Loretta Patty Way. She began employment at Riceland where she worked for several years before accepting the title of Executive Secretary for Harold Ives Trucking, a position she held for many years. After that she was instrumental in setting up the mail order system for Mack’s Prairie Wings. Following her retirement, she enjoyed making beautiful, award-winning quilts, including one that was entered into international competition. Joyce enjoyed traveling, with Alaska being at the top of her list. She was a member of First Baptist Church where she was also a Sunday school teacher.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Rebecca Denise Oliver; brother, Edward “Eddie” Way; and stepfather, J.L. Nichols.

Survivors are her husband of 42 years, Jerry Dempsey; son, Dean Oliver (Genia) of Stuttgart; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren with another one on the way.

Funeral services, officiated by Andrew Skinner, are at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, at Turpin Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Lone Tree Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to the donor’s choice.