Bennie Sue Nixon

Bennie Sue Nixon, age 92, passed away on October 25, 2025. Born on November 3, 1932, Bennie lived a life full of love, dedication, and passion, and will be deeply missed by those who loved her.

Bennie was a Godly woman above all else. Her faith was her foundation, and her love for her family was steadfast and true.

Bennie was a graduate of Lake Hamilton High School, Class of 1950, and just a few days later, she married the love of her life and soulmate, James Nixon, on June 2, 1950. They made their home on his family farm where they lived for 75 years, and shared a lifetime of laughter, devotion, and faith until his passing in 2018.

She was the third eldest of twelve children, and some of her most joyous times were those spent with her sisters and brothers- laughing, reminiscing, and cherishing the strong bond that only a big family can share. She carried that same sense of love, loyalty, and connection throughout her life and it showed in everything she did.

Though she was first and foremost a homemaker, she also worked faithfully for 35 years as the Billing Supervisor for the City of Hot Springs. She was dedicated, respected, and admired by all who knew her.

She loved her church and was a faithful member of Center Fork Baptist for most of her life. She joyfully served wherever she was needed- rocking babies in the nursery, helping with Vacation Bible School, singing in the choir, and sharing fellowship as a long-time member of Joy Sunday School Class. Her church family was dear to her heart, and her faith was lived out daily in her kindness and compassion toward others.

She found joy in the simplest things- a hot cup of coffee, anything chocolate or sweet, ice cream, Mexican food, and fried catfish. She loved her birds… cardinals and hummingbirds, often spending hours watching them with her barn cat, Kitty, under her feet. She enjoyed being outside working in her yard, and found peace tending to the flowers and garden. She always found a way to get outside, even when it wasn’t easy.

Her hands were gentle, her faith unshakable, and her love everlasting.

Bennie absolutely loved her family, especially her grandkids beyond measure. She took hundreds and hundreds of photos of them over the years.

Bennie is survived by her son, James A. Nixon (Susan); her daughters, Debbie Hutzel (Richard) and Vickie Davis (Brad); her grandchildren, Jamie Bollen, Jeremy Nixon, Nathan Hutzel, Haley Tucker, and Noah Gatewood; great-grandson, Jack Bollen; brother, Jimmy Ray Hampton (Carolyn); and sisters, Jean Gullett, Shirley Harper, Ruth Wetherington, Margie Sorrell, Norma Smith, and Sandra Terry, along with a host of extended family, friends, and loved ones.

Bennie was preceded in death by her parents, Robert S. Hampton and Marjorie Elizabeth Mathis; her husband, James B. Nixon; her grandson, Daniel Hutzel; grandson-in-law, Mike Bollen; her sisters, Betty Jo Wright and Billie Lou Berry; and her brother, Robert Junior Hampton.

Though her passing is immensely felt by those who knew and loved her, they are comforted knowing she is home; whole, happy, and at peace in the arms of Jesus.

Pallbearers include Jimmy Ray Hampton, Larry Berry, Stephen Berry, Jerry Smith, Doug Harper, and Noah Gatewood.

Honorary Pallbearers include the Joy Sunday School Class of Center Fork Baptist Church.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bennie's life during a visitation on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by a funeral service starting at 1:00 PM. Both events will be held at Smith Family Funeral Home in Hot Springs located at 2205 Airport Rd. Hot Springs, AR 71913.