Marlene Joslin

COUSHATTA, LA - Marlene Carey Joslin, age 85, passed away holding her daughter's hand on Sunday, May 27, 2018, in Bryant, Arkansas. Marlene was the only child of Earnest and Clara Bamburg Carey. She was born on August 8, 1932 in Coushatta and resided there her entire life with the exception of 3 years in Shreveport in the early 50's and the last 10 months of her life which she spent at Fox Ridge Luxury Senior Living in Bryant, Arkansas. Marlene was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Ralph Kenneth Joslin and her favorite poodle, Dusty. She is survived by a daughter, Michelle Joslin Vire and son-in-law Dennis Vire of Benton, Arkansas; a son, Michael Joslin of Martin; grandchildren Clara Beth Vire Spann (Phillip) of Austin, Texas; James Emmette Vire, of Conway, Arkansas; John Edward Vire of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and Corey Joslin of Martin. After graduating from Coushatta High School, Marlene attended Meadows and Draughn Business College where she graduated with a 4.0 grade point average. She was working in Shreveport when she met Kenneth who was completing his Journeyman Electrician training. They married and began their life together in Shreveport. After 3 years they returned to Coushatta, where together, they built a very successful business, Joslin's Electrical Service, serving electrical and air conditioning needs in Red River Parish for 60 years. Marlene was an accomplished seamstress and successful gardener. Her children were attired in her beautiful designs and were fed fresh and home-canned fruits and vegetables. She and Kenneth enjoyed traveling during their retirement years. They did everything together, including volunteer work with the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. When Marlene could no longer drive, it became necessary for her to move closer to her daughter in order to have regular meals, transportation to doctors' appointments and a secure environment. Courageously, Marlene left the only home town and only home state she had ever known, and moved to an independent living apartment at Fox Ridge in Arkansas. She quickly made dear friends and became part of the "sisterhood of the 500 hall". One very special "sister", Dorothy, shared with us how Marlene never missed a Bingo, Bible study, or social gathering. Having been content to walk in her husband's shadow for over 60 years, she blossomed into a social butterfly when the need arose. Marlene's family would like to thank the compassionate staff of Fox Ridge and one very special CNA, Donna Honorable. Per her request, Marlene was laid to rest at a private graveside service at Springville Cemetery in Coushatta, LA. Services were held on Friday, June 1, 2018. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Marlene's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project.