Royce Marie Stubbs, 87, of Desha, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, at Woodlawn Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 3, 1938, in Batesville, Arkansas, to the late Leroy Harmon and Roberta "Alexander" Harmon, and she spent her entire life in the Batesville area.

Royce was a devoted member of Desha United Methodist Church, where her strong faith and kind spirit were evident to all who knew her. She had a lifelong love for gardening and was known for her beautiful flowers and undeniable green thumb. She also enjoyed gospel music and cherished the companionship of her beloved dogs—Bella, Missy, and Nelly.

Her family was truly her world. She always wanted a large family.  Royce lovingly cared for her children, grandchildren, and countless others throughout the community. She had a gift for nurturing and was affectionately known as a babysitter to hundreds. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of her home cooking. She loved to bake and made sure everyone had a special birthday cake each year.

In her younger years, Royce had a great love for horses and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and friend to many—someone who always had snacks ready and a smile to share.

Royce was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, J.L. Stubbs; her parents, Leroy and Roberta Harmon; her son, Steven Stubbs; her grandson, Blake Sherrill; her sister, Donice Woodward; and her brother, Leon Harmon.

Left to cherish her memory are her three sons, Mitchell (Terrie) Stubbs, Darrell (Starla) Stubbs, and Jeff (Tamara) Stubbs; two daughters, Teresa (Joe) Reynolds and Angela (Andy) Sherrill; and her daughter-in-love, Teresa "Johnson" Stubbs. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren—Tanya, Rodney, Derek, Tyson, Tyra, Katie, Brent, Megan, Amanda, Shawna, Sydney, Ashley, Sarah, Kristen, and Joe—along with 27 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 16, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Allen Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 17, at 10:00 a.m. at the same location, with Pastor Chris Martin officiating.

Pallbearers will be Rodney Stubbs, Derek Stubbs, Kevin Sanders, David Cartwright, Chuck Woodward, and Lee Harmon. Honorary pallbearer is Blake Sherrill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the benefit of Royce Stubbs at the Airport Branch of Citizens Bank, with all proceeds going to the Blake Sherrill Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Royce's love, laughter, and kindness touched countless lives. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.