Anita J.T. Ellis
Anita Joyce Tharp Ellis, known as Joyce and lovingly amongst family as Mimi, passed away Oct. 2, 2026.
A Celebration of Life will take place from 10-10:45 a.m. at Hot Springs United Methodist Church on Wednesday, Oct. 7, with visitation in the sanctuary.
The service will begin at 11 a.m. Internment at Memorial Gardens will take place privately at a later time.
Joyce was born on Feb. 22, 1936, in Amarillo, Texas, and grew up in the small Texas town called Littlefield. Her parents were the late Horace Beauford Tharp and Veda George Tharp.
Joyce received a Bachelor of Science from Texas Tech University, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta and the business sorority Phi Gamma Nu. With her husband and father of her children, the late William Lee Burgess, she came to Arkansas to reside in Fayetteville. While Joyce always held a place in her heart for West Texas, she found her longtime home in Hot Springs, where she happily lived for 54 years.
Joyce is preceded in death by a beloved son, William Frank (Bill) Burgess; and her husband, Leonard Ellis III.
She is survived by daughters, Sharlane (Lane) Burgess and husband, Matthew Loney, Susan Burgess Bean and husband, Grady Bean; daughter-in-law, Deena Goss Burgess; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
They are Caroline Loyd Tingquist and Nick Tingquist with sons, Townes and Emmett; Emily Loyd Daily and Stefan Daily with daughter, Esther; Ashlee Burgess Jones and Destin Jones with daughter, Baylor; William Drexler Lee Burgess; and Madeleine Eve Loney.
Her extended family are Jon Larry Starr, Larry Starr, Carol Burgess, Fred and Kaci Woodruff, Kermit Stiles, Michael and Connee Ellis and the families of Anna Loyd Nipper, Helen Loyd Dodson and Andrew Dodson, Lonnie Bean Stark and Jarrett Stark as well as, Lewis and Laura Jane Bean.
Joyce was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs, where she valued her Sunday school class and took part in several Bible studies. She especially loved gathering her family for the candlelight Christmas Eve service every year during the holidays.
Joyce lived life with energy and joy. Her days were enriched by a love of reading and gatherings for book club, weekly bridge groups and Criterion club. Her latest pursuit was learning to play a new game — mahjong. She thrived in work with the Arkansas Breeders Association, the Arkansas Racing Commission and partnership in the interior decorating business ReArrangers with friend Joan Adkins. With friends Bonnie, Dorothy, Gwen, Joan and Mary Beth, known locally as the Friday Fillies and the Bling Ladies, Joyce kept a vibrant social presence.
Throughout her life, Joyce's circle widened. Her family continued to grow and she always made new friends. Her hope was that her nurturing guidance would bear fruit in the lives of her loved ones.
Joyce's family extends heartfelt thanks to the many people who loved her and filled her days with warmth and fellowship. Special recognition and gratitude go out to Ashley, Debbie, Kelly and Cheryl of Arkansas Hospice/Lifetouch, for your unwavering and compassionate care.
Memorials may be directed to Open Arms Food Pantry at First United Methodist Church, 1100 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901.
Online condolences athttp://www.caruth-hale.com.
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