Nancy Jane Huddleston

Nancy Jane (Cohea) Huddleston, age 90, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on December 5th, 2025. She was born in Fayetteville, AR to the late Wilson G. Chamblee and Jessie Jordan Chamblee on August 21st, 1935. Nancy stayed in Fayetteville and married Joseph Cohea in 1956, together they had a son, Joe Cohea. Joseph passed away within a few weeks of Joe's birth. Nancy later met and married John Huddleston, with whom she shared 2 children, Scott and Cindy (Gleason). Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Cohea, John Huddleston, son Scott Huddleston, and her sisters Dorothy and Francis.

Nancy attended Fayetteville High School, graduating in 1953. Thereafter, she attended the University of Arkansas where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in music. Nancy taught piano lessons from her home in Fayetteville for 23 years and has played for countless weddings and funerals in the NWA area. She was also a church organist, retiring after being in the profession for 65 years. She spent many of these years playing for either Sequoyah United Methodist Church in Fayetteville or Farmington United Methodist Church. Nancy endured many a cold, cold Easter morning playing for the sunrise service on Mt. Sequoyah. Even with frozen fingers, she always played beautifully and loved filling her space with music!

Nancy was one of the kindest, most gentle and trusting people in the world, and was great at finding creative ways to help provide for her family. When John and Nancy decided it was time to move to the outskirts of Fayetteville and buy some land, Nancy became a licensed real estate agent so she could get the inside scoop on properties as they were going on the market and also in hopes of being able to save some money on commission fees when they found their farm. Next, Nancy became a certified income tax preparation agent for a local tax agency to bring in a few extra dollars for the household, but primarily to learn how to prepare income tax returns for the self-employed farmers that our family had just become.

Known for her generous spirit, Nancy volunteered in several area organizations as well as within her church, Central United Methodist. She served as President for 8 years in the Central United Methodist Women and was also a past President in the Circle K P.E.O. chapter. In fact, she recently earned the official title of "P.E.O. Golden Girl" following her 50 years of service. She was also involved in the church's community meals program to feed the area homeless. Additionally, Nancy played in Central's handbell choir and was a member of their 'The Gathering Group' for many years. During her college years, Nancy was a member of the Delta Delta Delta chapter at the University of Arkansas. Following her graduation, she remained an active member of the Tri-Delta alum group, holding several different office positions over the years, including Chapter Advisor and on the House Corporation Board, Treasurer and later as President.

Nancy was born and raised in Fayetteville. She loved playing the piano or organ, feeding and watching the birds in her backyard and she loved gardening. Over the years, she and John raised chickens commercially, planted beautiful gardens and flower beds and were always looking for ways to attract more birds to their feeders.

Funeral Services for Nancy will be held at 1pm on Friday, December 12th at Central United Methodist Church 6 W. Dickson Street in Fayetteville.