Sarah Nelle (Robinson) Richardson

Sarah Nelle (Robinson) Richardson was born in Keiser, Arkansas. She earned degrees from The University of Arkansas and Stephen F. Austin State University. While attending the University of Arkansas, she met and fell in love with Jesse Richardson. They were married two months later December 27, 1958, in West Memphis, Arkansas. They built a beautiful life together throughout the past sixty-six ½ years. Sarah was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved her family with her whole heart.

Sarah especially enjoyed shopping and spending time with her family and friends. She loved her friends dearly and always opened her home to all.

Sarah had a huge heart for service. Throughout the years she has participated in multiple organizations. She was a hospice volunteer. She often drove her friends to their doctors’ appointments, no matter if they were in town or out of town. Sarah was a member of multiple garden clubs and was a founding member of one here in Nacogdoches. She was a hospital volunteer working in the surgical waiting area. She was also a member of AAUW, the Nacogdoches County Retired Teachers Association and the Newcomers Club. Her hobbies included crafting, painting, stained glass projects, ceramics, and needlework. She gave hand sewn baby blankets to all her grandchildren and two of her great grandchildren. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed reading multiple genres of books and magazines. Sarah relished being out in nature and earned her Master Gardener Certification from Texas A&M Extension Service shortly before retiring from SFASU. She and Jess enjoyed traveling to gardens all over the USA and several other countries. They also traveled with friends and travel clubs. She kept her mind sharp by playing bridge, pinochle, and mahjong. She was a member of The First United Methodist Church.

Nelle, as she was known to her husband and close family, or Nene, as she was known to her grandchildren, will be missed by all. She fought a good fight and is now resting in the arms of Jesus.

Sarah Nelle is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Jesse Richardson; her daughter, Kimber Shelton and husband, James; son, Jesse Richardson II and wife, Rhonda; grandchildren, Wes Etheredge and wife, Rachel, Jon Etheredge and wife, Mia, Angela Wood and husband, Shaun, Jessie Weaverling and husband, Connor, Jenna Kemp and husband, Colton, Katelyn Richardson and fiancé, Kolton Koonce, Nicholas Shelton and wife, Darcy, and Alison Athey; great grandchildren, Waylon, Cooper, Kit, Armani, Alyssa, Katey, Maci, and Madi.

Sarah is preceded in death by her father Robert Robinson, mother Agnes Cleo (Pickett) Robinson Holland and stepfather H.D. (Bud) Holland; brother, Robert “Bob” Robinson; and great grandson, Lyrik Allen Wood.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations in Sarah Nelle’s memory can be gifted to the Nacogdoches Humane Society or the charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Sarah’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, June 16, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, Nacogdoches.

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