Juanita Theresa Nix

Juanita (Nita) Theresa Folse Nix passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. She was deeply cherished by all who knew her, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of love, learning, and devotion. A passionate educator, Nita dedicated more than 30 years to teaching, inspiring and touching countless lives along the way. Her family was her greatest pride and joy.

Born on February 3, 1932, in Raceland, Louisiana, Nita was the eldest of five children born to Leah Hebert Folse and Dennis Jean Folse. After graduating high school and receiving several scholarships, she pursued her passion for learning at Nichols State College, eventually completing her B.A. in Education at the University of Houston. She was the first in her family to achieve a college degree. It was at Nichols that she met the love of her life, Lynn Hollis Nix of Texarkana, Arkansas. The couple married in San Antonio, Texas, in 1954 while Lynn was serving in the U.S. Air Force. Their loving union endured until Lynn’s passing in 1997.

After Lynn’s military service, his career as a coach, principal, and school superintendent took the family across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Throughout these moves, Nita found immense fulfillment in teaching, especially 6th grade Social Studies, where she inspired countless young minds and instilled a love of learning.

Nita is survived by her four children, each of whom she adored: David Nix (Stacy) of Austin, Texas; Dennis Nix (Lisa) of Jonesboro, Arkansas; Angela Smith Nix (Terry) of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and Melanie Patron (Doug) of Conroe, Texas. She also leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren and nine treasured great-grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Cathy Sampey (Elvest) of Thibodaux, Louisiana, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Her family meant the world to her, and she cherished each member with all her heart.

Nita was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, a dear friend to many, and a vibrant, creative spirit with a deep love for reading, painting, and singing. In her final years, she expressed profound gratitude for the compassionate care she received from her assisted living, home health, and hospice teams.

Her family finds solace in knowing she will forever hold a special place in their hearts. Their cherished family motto, a quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and popularized by Hodding Carter, embodies the legacy Nita and Lynn passed on: “There are two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One is roots, and the other is wings.” Together, they took pride in seeing their family grow strong, with deep roots and soaring wings.

To honor Nita’s enduring love for learning, her family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her memory. You may choose to donate a book to a school, library, or child of your choice, continuing her passion for education and reading. Alternatively, contributions may be made to Children’s Home, Inc. in Paragould, Arkansas, or a charity of your preference.

A Mass and interment will be held at St. James Episcopal Church in Texarkana, Texas, on Friday July 25th, 2025 to begin at 10:00 a.m.

Online tributes may be sent to www.eastfuneralhome.com