Joan Olivia Chronister

Joan Olivia Gardner Chronister, 85, of Houston, Texas passed away in her sleep on Friday, April 22. A long-time resident of Searcy and Little Rock, she had been living at Parkway Place in Houston since February, 2010. Ms. Chronister was born on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 1925, in Fort Worth, Texas to Bernice Harkin Gardner and Hunter Everett Gardner. She graduated from Texas Christian University in 1945, where she met and later married Floyd (Zeke) Chronister, her husband of 60 years. Together they funded an annual scholarship at their mutual alma mater. Joan and Zeke lived in Little Rock for 18 years before moving to Searcy in 1967. A lifetime supporter and enthusiast of all things musical, Joan was a member of the Little Rock Musical Coterie, Beethoven Club, and the Cantoria choral group, as well as a Life Member of Arkansas Federation of Music Clubs. She was an advocate for the Little Rock Symphony and sang in the choir of the First Baptist Church in Searcy for many years. Ms. Chronister was on the board of Newhope Specialized Industries, a member of the 20th Century Club, Baptist Health of Arkansas Auxiliary, and American Association of University Women. Joan enjoyed travel and wintered in Arizona for years. She was an avid golfer and the Joan Chronister Memorial Golf Tournament is held annually at the Searcy Country Club. Ms. Chronister is survived by her sister, Barbara Gardner Manly and husband Eugene D. Manly of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by some of her husband's siblings: Walter and Marjorie Chronister of Coffeyville, Kan.; Laura Chronister Shoemaker of Girard, Kan.; and George and Louise Chronister of Coffeyville, Kan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd (Zeke) Chronister. A memorial service, officiated by Reverend David Crouch, will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 9, 2011 in the chapel of the Oaklawn Cemetery Mausoleum in Searcy. Service arrangements entrusted to Roller-Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com or 501.268.3546.