We share the peaceful passing of our beloved Joyce Retha Nicholson, a friend, role model and lifelong resident of Newton and Fulton. The daughter of a dairy farmer Lowry Nicholson and Retha Nicholson, Joyce was the first family member to graduate college from University of Southern Mississippi, and enjoyed a rewarding career teaching Speech, Theater and English at Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Mississippi for over 40 years.

A passionate gardener with extensive horticultural knowledge, Joyce never met a bulb she didn't love. She was a lifelong member of her local Garden Club. Joyce was also an avid shopper, lovingly sharing her treasures from catalogs and department stores with family and friends. She loved to travel with her close friends and enjoyed touring many historic attractions throughout the country in retirement. Joyce embodied the lifestyle of an elder "Cat Lady" rescuing and caring for many abandoned and feral felines.

She was a resident at Woodland Court Assisted Living Facility in Newton for the past two years, sustained by her religious faith as her physical health declined. Her greatest comfort came from the devoted friendship of her caretaker Cora Hillie, to whom we are all grateful.

Survivors include Tillie Mattox and the extended Mattox family of Dekalb, Genell Tibbetts, Meridian, Bobbie Morris, Columbus, Debbie Yochim Moore, Al Yochim (Gayle Hamilton) of Meridian, and Chris Yochim (Daryl Glazer) of Parkesburg, PA. Also her dearest neighbor June Haralson, and friends Faye, Sadie & Pat, and her cherished dog Mia.

Visitation will be Monday, August 22, 2022 at 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Newton County Funeral Home-South (100 Old Hwy 15 Loop, Newton, MS 39345) with funeral services immediately following in the chapel.  Rev. Charles Douglas will officiate.