Martha Ree Belshe Twist

Martha Ree Belshe Twist (87) passed away in Memphis, Tenn., on May 3, 2018. Her parents Edwin Baird Belshe and Ree Landers McKee Belshe moved to eastern Arkansas from Chicago, Ill., in 1923 to oversee the family farm near Round Pond, AR. Her childhood was spent on Belswood Farm. She graduated from Forrest City High School and attended Stephens Collage in Columbia, Mo. In 1948, Martha Ree married Reginald (Rex) Bond Twist and they resided at Belswood where they raised two children and were engaged in the Twist and Belshe family farming operations located in Arkansas, Mississippi and Guatemala. She was a member of the Forrest City Junior Auxiliary, PEO Sisterhood, Chapter BF, and the Garden Gate Garden Club, where she served in various positions of leadership. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Throughout her life, Martha Ree maintained the many cherished friendships that began in her childhood. She was known for her grace, quick wit, poise, artistic creativity and welcoming smile. She generously gave her love to her family and many friends. Martha Ree continued the tradition her parents began of hosting wonderful gatherings with family and friends at their home. She and Rex enjoyed entertaining family and friends at the Twist family home on Eden Isle near Heber Springs, AR. They moved to Forrest City and enjoyed 14 years living in the Edgewood neighborhood. She and Rex relocated to Memphis, Tenn., in 2004, where she continued to be active in various organizations devoted to the art of flower arranging. Later in life she acquired a keen interest in photography, yet another expression of her many artistic talents. With years of training, she achieved National Garden Clubs Master Flower Show Judge Accreditation. She traveled the region serving as judge for countless flower shows. She was active in writing flower show schedules, entering arrangements and going home with blue ribbons and Best in Show awards, She was active in the Interpreter's Study Club, TN District 1 Flower Show Judges Council, Ikebana International Chapter Bamboo #44, and Kennedy View Garden Club. In 2008, Rex, her devoted husband of 59 years, preceded her in death. In 2010, she married Alfred (Al) Nimocks. Their marriage joined two families, forming enriching family ties. She is survived by her son, Edwin (Eddie) Belshe Twist (Gigi Gilbreath) and daughter, Linda Twist Hill along with two grandchildren, Catherine (Kaki) Twist Burgess (Phil), and Harry (Hank) Hill IV and sister-in-law, Helen Twist Thomas. She is also survived by Al's children, Byron (Emilie), Madge (David), and Mallory (Carla) and grandchildren Rylan, Ned, Nealy, Caroline (Pete), Eloise, Larke, and Maggie. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital Art Fund or First United Methodist Church of Forrest City, AR. A celebration of her life will be held Monday, May 7 at 4 p.m., at the Memphis Botanic Garden (750 Cherry Road, 38117). Stevens Funeral Home (Forrest City) is in charge of arrangements. Visit online registry at stevensfuneralhome.net.