Joyce Jeanette Cates Pittman, age 87, passed from this life into the hands of the Living God on September 13, 2026, in Springdale, Arkansas.

She was born on October 13, 1938, in Huntsville, Alabama, to the late Lawrence O. Cates and Lucy Mable (Stone) Cates and was the fifth of eleven children. Joyce spent her early childhood in Huntsville until the age of eight, when her family traveled by train to Kingman, Arizona. She later attended high school in Prescott, Arizona.

On July 19, 1955, Joyce married her beloved husband, Dale A. Pittman, in Arizona. They shared 51 years of marriage, building a life marked by love, faith, and resilience as they made a home in many places along the way including Prescott, Arizona, Skull Valley, Arizona; Ketchikan, Alaska; Brushy Mountain in Magazine, Arkansas; Myrtle Point, Oregon; Paris, Arkansas; Huntsville, Arkansas; Carl Junction, Missouri; and Springdale, Arkansas.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, along with other loved ones who went before her, including her parents Lawrence and Lucy Cates, her three sisters, Betty Summerow, Geraldine Hazelwood and Joe Ann Cates; and her two brothers, Steve Cates and Franklin Cates.

She is survived by her four brothers and sister-in laws George and Sharon Cates of Tucson Arizona, Murry and Linda Cates of Prescott, Arizona, Monnie and Jan Cates of McKinney, Texas, and David and Tina Cates of Phoenix, Arizona. She is also survived by one sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and David Little of Abilene Texas. She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Joyce’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Thomas Pittman of Springdale, Arkansas, Frank and Christy Pittman of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Clifford and Christi Pittman of Springdale, Arkansas, and Shirley and Jeff Murphy of Springdale, Arkansas

She was blessed with 11 grandchildren and their spouses: Allison and Scott Galloway, Adrienne and Oliver Crumpton, Aaron and Kelsy Pittman, Cameron, Keegan, and Christian Pittman, Rachael Murphy, Chad Murphy, Chelsey and Austin Frazee, Cailey and Christopher Royal, and Conner Pittman. She was also blessed with 9 great-grandchildren: Austin and Emily Galloway, Bradyn Galloway and Fiancée Emily Mooney, Caroline and Snow Crumpton, Ayriah, Madison, and Bennet Pittman, Wyatt and Wrenley Frazee. She also has 2 great-great grandchildren, Willow and Lila Galloway

Joyce was a devoted Christian and lifelong member of the Church of Christ. For the past 25 years, she worshiped with the Robinson Avenue Church of Christ in Springdale, where was a member of the LOL’s.

A homemaker and farmers wife, Joyce worked for many years at the Huntsville Medical Clinic and Hospital. She later completed her career at Washington Regional Hospital as an insurance secretary and clerk. At age 49, Joyce courageously survived breast cancer. She loved to paint and delighted in gifting her artwork to others.

Pallbearers will be: Aaron, Cameron, Keegan Pittman, Christian Pittman, Chad Murphy, Scott Galloway, Oliver Crumpton, Austin Frazee, Austin Galloway, Bradyn Galloway, Christopher Royal, and Connor Pittman. Honorary Pallbearers are Warren and Brian Cates.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation at Robinson Avenue Church of Christ on Friday, September 18, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with a funeral service to follow beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Preaching Minister Keith Kilmer officiating. Graveside interment will follow the funeral at Friendship Cemetery in Springdale, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Missions at Robinson Avenue Church of Christ, 1506 West Robinson Ave., Springdale, AR, 72764.