Retta Nicholson

Obituary for
Retta Nicholson
Retta Nicholson, 94, of Newport, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at her home on May 15, 2025. Born Emma Retta Hanshaw on May 18, 1930, in Black Rock, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Arvid Hanshaw and Madge (Franks) Grey.
Retta attended Newport High School, where she met her beloved husband, Bezo Nicholson. They married young and together for 71 years built a life full of love, hard work, and devotion to their family. A proud homemaker and farmer's wife, Retta raised three boys-Jimmy Don, Sam, and Gary-whom she loved fiercely and protected without hesitation. But if they ever got out of line, she was just as quick to TRY to keep them in check.
Retta was a strong, Southern woman, and a lifelong member of the First Christian Church. She was smart, sharp-tongued when needed, and known to lend her talents to her boys' schoolwork when the occasion called for it. Her presence was powerful, her love unconditional, and her legacy enduring. She bravely faced cancer, kidney disease, and COPD with remarkable strength and determination. Her greatest joys in life were her family, cheering on her boys and grandchildren in every sport imaginable, and keeping the family history alive through her love of genealogy and old photos.
She enjoyed trips to Branson, especially shows by the Presleys, the Bald Knobbers, and Mel Tillis. Her TV was always tuned to a western or a ballgame. She was a die-hard Razorback baseball and basketball fan, but did put the team on pause when Calipari (a Kentucky Wildcat) arrived-until they started winning again, of course.
Retta was the kind of woman who left no doubt where she stood-but also no doubt how deeply she loved. Her hands shaped a home, her heart held a family, and her legacy will live on in all who were lucky enough to be loved by her. Though we will miss her fiercely, we rejoice knowing she is now at peace and reunited with many she loved in the presence of the Lord.
Retta was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bezo Nicholson; siblings Buddy Poe and Lela Jordan; sisters- and brothers-in-law Rosemary Fortenberry, Stoney Nicholson, Wilma Tiner, Betty Doty; and her son, Gary Nicholson.
She is survived by her sons Jimmy Don Nicholson and Sam (Lynn) Nicholson; grandchildren Nick Nicholson, Brett Nicholson (Nikki), and Kelly McKinney (Paul); great-grandchildren Bailey Nicholson, Alex Nicholson, Hannah Nicholson, Tyler Nicholson, Lila Nicholson, Josh McKinney, and Mary Emma McKinney; and great-great-grandchild Dutton Nicholson, with another on the way. She also leaves behind sisters- and brothers-in-law Ann Norman, Buckshot Nicholson, and Sammy Byford, and her two special caregivers Marlene Hughes and Ann Elmer.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Nick Nicholson, Alex Nicholson, Brett Nicholson, Tyler Nicholson, Will Tiner, Josh McKinney, Matt Nicholson, and Mark Nicholson.
Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Jackson's Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home, Saturday 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Arrangements by Jackson's Funeral Home.
www.jacksonsfh.com