Mavis "Mae" Lovell

Mavis (Mae) Jean Lovell of Russellville passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026, at Baptist Hospital in North Little Rock. She was born on January 9th, 1943, in Heber Springs, Arkansas, to Howard and Virgie (Clark) Joy.
Mae was of Christian faith and believed in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. As the oldest of ten children, Mae learned early the values of responsibility, perseverance, and caring for those around her, qualities that would define her throughout her life.
Mae was known for her strong will, quick wit, and generous heart. She believed there wasn’t anything she couldn’t accomplish if she was willing to work for it, and she inspired that same determination in her children and grandchildren. Whether she was offering advice, lending a helping hand, or simply sharing a laugh, she made everyone around her feel loved.Mae never accepted limits that others tried to place on her. Through determination, resilience, and an incredible work ethic, she built careers as a USDA Meat Inspector, a nurse, a truck driver and a mail carrier, proving throughout her life that perseverance could overcome any obstacle. She took great pride in every job she held and believed that hard work and integrity were among life’s greatest virtues.

Above all else, Mae’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured holidays and family gatherings, making sure everyone had a place around the table and creating memories that will be cherished for generations. She believed deeply in raising respectful children and grandchildren, teaching them the importance of good manners, kindness, and treating others with respect. Those lessons became part of the legacy she leaves behind.
Mae loved deeply and wholeheartedly. Her unconditional love, fierce loyalty, and unwavering support made each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren feel special. She was the heart of her family, and her love will continue to live on through each of them.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Virgie Joy; the love of her life, Jimmy D. Lovell; her son, Daneal Nichols; her daughter, Wendy Davis; and her siblings Homer Joy, Jim Joy, Freda Joy, Gary Joy, Wayne Joy, Ben Joy, and Suzi Wascom.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, David Nichols of Plainview, Dusty (Tracie) Lovell of Knoxville, and Donovan Lovell of Russellville.
Her grandchildren are David Jr. (Candace) Nichols of Houston, Texas; Joshua Nichols of Plainview; Dustin Lovell of Knoxville; Dillon (Danielle) Lovell of Knoxville; Curtis (Monica) Lovell of Greers Ferry; Brandon Lovell of Clarksville, and Monica Lovell of Clarksville.
She is also survived by her beloved great-grandchildren, Elijah Clark, Trey Nichols, Bennett Nichols (arriving in December), Adrianna Nichols, Sylas Nichols, Otis Nichols, Willow Nichols, Adam Lovell, Brody Lovell, Reese Lovell, Kloie Lovell, and Mary Kate Lovell.
Mae is further survived by her sister, Tina (Billy) Rackley of Searcy; her brother, Kenny (Connie) Joy of Heber Springs; her sister-in-law, Crystal Joy of Spokane, Washington; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her love and kindness.

Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, her family finds comfort in the countless memories she created and the lessons she leaves behind. Her strength, love, unwavering determination, and example of a life well lived will continue to guide all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and lovingly remembered.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Russellville Family Funeral, located at 2757 East Parkway Drive, Russellville AR.