Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Rachel Claire Nowlin, age 96

Rachel Claire Nowlin, 96, of Roland passed away on April 2, 2020.  She was born in Ronan, Montana to the late Thomas Alton and Helen (Haegg) Needham on February 29, 1924.  She always said since her birthday was on a leap year, she was only 24 birthdays old.

She loved her family and was a friend to many.  Her love of children is where she excelled as a teacher-assistant for the Pulaski County Special School District and had the privilege of teaching many to read. She is a member of Church at Pinnacle Mountain.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James Nowlin; her son, Bobby Nowlin and her siblings, Jewel Stonehocker, Robert Needham and Thomas Needham.

Rachel leaves behind her children Marilyn Nowlin and Patricia Snyder (Gene); grandchildren Sara Rachel Snyder, and Emily Claire Newberry (Chris); great-grandchildren Koen Scott Snyder and Georgia Grace Newberry; her beloved nephews from Montana; many extended family and friends.

Rachel’s family has arranged for a private celebration of life, in light of current public health concerns. Her family is very grateful for your understanding, support and prayers in this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas. 501-982-3400

20 Comments

  • Jenell Harris Richards Posted April 4, 2020 8:22 AM

    Aunt Rachel. She was always someone I could go to when I was in school. A precious lady.

  • Linda George-Kam Posted April 4, 2020 10:37 AM

    Everyones Aunt during school years at Joe T. What a sweet woman she was. Everyone adored her. Only wish we could attend her funeral and let the family know how much we all cared for her. Prayers and hugs for you all.

  • Linda Nell Stanford Posted April 4, 2020 11:52 AM

    Truly a wonderful lady. Always hugging and smiling especially the kids. Hollie and Ray speak of jet often as she was there favorite teacher. Our thoughts and prayers for the family. Wish we could be there.

  • Zela Strange Posted April 4, 2020 6:34 PM

    Oh my, Rachel was so special to us as she was to many others. A friend, well remembered by all. Her sense of humor brought joy to so many. She was 96 in February, and Sammie and Bennie will also be 96 this year. What a legacy for our community!
    Our thoughts, prays and love to all you. May your hearts and minds be filled with my special memories.
    The Strange Family

  • Jackie ellison Posted April 5, 2020 3:56 PM

    Rachel you were lived by many of us..we will miss you but not for long for we’ll join you someday in heaven

  • Marty sneed Posted April 5, 2020 4:24 PM

    So sorry to hear about her death..love you marty

  • Bobby and Brenda Price Posted April 6, 2020 10:16 AM

    With love

  • Lisa Westbrook Smith Posted April 6, 2020 6:30 PM

    She made the world a better place no matter where she was or what the situation love you

  • Vicki Miller Posted April 6, 2020 6:52 PM

    Loved Ms Nowlin, one of my favorite teachers, praying for all of the family, God Bless you all in this time of sorrow, love ya, Vicki Miller

  • Carol & Larry Cullum Posted April 6, 2020 9:38 PM

    Patty and Marilyn, sending our deepest condolences to you and your family. Your mother was an amazing woman loved by everyone who met her and will be trully missed. A mother is with you always, first in her lifetime then forever in your memory. We love you.

  • Danny and Charlene Jay Posted April 6, 2020 9:51 PM

    Touched many lives

  • Rita Westbrook Posted April 7, 2020 6:16 AM

    Aunt Rachel You have touch the hearts of so many! What Memories we have to cherish of you! Praying for the family!

  • Carolyn L Lewis Posted April 7, 2020 8:53 AM

    Mrs. Nowlin was a kind and memorable person. I remember her from school and from church.
    Have not seen her for many many years. Thought the world of her.

  • Lynette Phillips Posted April 7, 2020 9:42 AM

    Loved Mrs. Nowlin dearly. She always put a smile on my face and she was so understanding to issues we faced as teenagers.

  • Rosanne Phillips Haughey Posted April 7, 2020 11:07 AM

    I loved to go see Mrs. Nowlin when we lived sort of behind her on Presley Drive. She was always so warm and welcoming to our entire family, The Phillip’s. We loved to see her horses and cows. Patti and Marilyn are just as special as their mom. So sorry about her passing. I am sure she is doing a jig in heaven.

  • John Newkirk Posted April 7, 2020 6:02 PM

    A very well respected lady. A great friend to all our family, She will be missed. Say Hi to Grandma and Grandpa Presley for me.
    My prayers go out to the families, Hope all is well!

  • Frank and Linda chaney Posted April 7, 2020 8:47 PM

    Our pray are with youll

  • Bud and Priscilla Secrest Posted April 9, 2020 5:01 PM

    Ms. Nowlin helped forge the lives of so many. She was such a precious, loving woman. I can say during my school years and whenever I have run in to her in years past I have never seen her without a smile. Prayers for you and your family.

  • Kathy Metz Posted April 16, 2020 3:13 PM

    My thoughts and prayers for all of you. Mrs. Nowlin and my son shared a “Leap” year birthday. Lost contact with her, but would always remember her on that day

  • Gigi Taha Posted May 6, 2020 9:25 AM

    My dearest and one of my longest friends, you are missed from me and my children. You were the grandmother they never had. Being with you and your family always felt like home. We shall always love you and keep you in our hearts.

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