Gloria Matthews Nixon

Gloria Matthews Nixon, 89, of Jonesboro, a gracious Southern lady, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, October 7, 1925, only child of Ruth VanLear and Emory Allen Matthews. She died May 6, 2015 at her home in Jonesboro. Gloria was a 1943 graduate of Pine Bluff High School, attended Stephens College, and graduated in 1947 from the University of Arkansas. Her love for learning continued throughout her life in her various roles as wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and participant and leader in social, church and civic organizations. She excelled at the social graces and made everyone she met feel like a life-long friend. A gifted conversationalist, Gloria enjoyed hosting dinner parties for family and friends and would often initiate remarks guaranteed to lead to lively, often humorous, stories. Times with family members were always a priority where game playing was a regular activity and enjoyed by all, particularly Gloria. As a person who appreciated language and words, Gloria kept the art of letter writing alive by regularly sending notes to family and friends. Gloria's positive attitude showed in her contagious smile and encouraging and receptive manner. She was a loyal and supportive friend. She continued to make new friends later in life and was especially welcoming to people new to Jonesboro, her church and her neighborhood. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Allen Nixon. She is survived by son, Allen Nixon, Jr. of Jonesboro and daughter, Van Light of Little Rock; and grandchildren, Alex Nixon of Nashville, TN; Zach Nixon of Memphis, Tenn.; Dave Light of Fayetteville and Brian (Mary) Light of Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro or ASU's School of Nursing. Visitation will be in the Atrium of First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro on Sunday, May 10, 2015, 1-3 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park at 4 p.m. under the direction of Emerson Funeral Home. Online registry at www.emersonfuneralhome.com.