Catherine Blankenship Nicholson
March 7, 1952 – July 17, 2025
On March 7, 1952, Elder Catherine Blankenship Nicholson, a precious woman of God from the hand of God was born to the late Joe Nathan and Poneva Blankenship in Arcadia, Louisiana.
At an early age Sister Catherine accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. She united with Triumph Church of God in Jonesboro, Louisiana under the leadership of Pastor . L. R. Calahan. Later in life, she joined Union Star Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Donald Ray Hall.
She graduated from Jonesboro Hodge High School Class of 1970 and went on to Grambling State University where she received her A.A, BS, and MBA. She recently received a Master’s degree in Theology from The New Testament School of Theology.
Catherine met and married the love her life Charles Nicholson. Together, they had three children. They lived a beautiful life and was happily married for 44 years. After marriage, her husband became Pastor of The New Testament Church formerly located in Grambling, Louisiana and now Jonesboro, Louisiana. There, Catherine served as a help mate and teacher.
She was employed at Grambling State University where she held many positions (President’s Secretary, Financial Aid, Fundraiser Coordinator, and Adjunct Faculty member) for more than thirty years before retiring. Catherine was a dynamic speaker, teacher and cook who loved to serve the lord. She served as Vice President of The New Testament School of Theology (TNT/SOT), Jonesboro, LA. She also served as Director of the Board of Trustees. Catherine joined her husband in ministering in many cities and several states in America and in the Caribbean. They both received a special invitation to minister in Ariana, Trinidad. She had a shepherd’s heart and great love for believers and an evangelistic spirit for the unsaved. She delighted herself in the Word of God and rejoiced in the manifestation of changed lives. She always held onto her faith.
On July 17, 2025, Catherine transitioned from the earthly pulpit to the heavenly pulpit at Willis Knighten Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana. She is preceded in death by her parents the late Joe Nathan and Poneva Blankenship; grandson Breunte’ Hicks; father-in-law Lewis Nicholson Sr. and mother-in-law Henrietta Nicholson.
She leaves the memories of her gentle love with her husband of 44 years Dr. Charles E. Nicholson of Jonesboro, LA; sons: Terrance (Jacqueline) Blankenship and Charles Jacolby Nicholson both of Jonesboro, LA; daughter Sharonda (Dewayne) Calahan of Jonesboro, LA; sister JoAnn Rachel of Winnfield, LA; brothers: Joe Nathan Blankenship Jr. (Connie) of Atlanta, GA, Martiner Tatum (Melba) of Jonesboro, LA and Dexter Tatum of Calhoun, LA; grandchildren: Sierra, D’Vontae, Tre’Vaun and Justin Calahan; great grandchildren: Jaicee Watkins, Josiah Knox and Aceon Calahan and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Kenneth Paxton Wyatt
November 8, 1941 – July 21, 2025
Kenneth Paxton Wyatt, age 83, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025, following a lengthy illness. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Kenneth was known for his strong work ethic, unwavering love for his family, and quiet strength.
Born on November 8, 1941, Kenneth spent the majority of his life working tirelessly to provide for those he loved. He dedicated many years of service to the railroad industry, where his commitment and reliability earned him the respect of coworkers and friends alike.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gaylon Wyatt, and his parents, Maxine and Paxton Wyatt.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving children:
Son: Keith Wyatt and wife Kimberly
Daughter: Tracy Brown and husband Steven
He was a proud and devoted grandfather to six grandchildren:
Caylin Brown, Cade Brown, Lauren Blundell and husband Alex, Macie Wyatt, Caney Wyatt, and Adley Wyatt.
He is also survived by his brothers:
David Wyatt and wife June
Bill Wyatt and wife Wanda
And his sisters:
Janelle Self and Ginger Babcock
Kenneth leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will remember him with deep affection and gratitude for the example he set and the love he gave so freely.
His legacy of hard work, dedication, and love for family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23
Friends, family, and well-wishers will be able to gather for a public viewing from 5:00 – 7:00 pm on Thursday, July 24th, 2025, at Sweetwater Baptist Church in Quitman. A graveside service will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, July 25th, 2025, at Ebenezer Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.