Nona Lee Bivens died peacefully on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at The Springs Nursing Home in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She was born on August 17, 1941, in Moro, Arkansas, to the late Herbert and Louise Sparks. Nona moved from California to Arkansas in 1980 and was a faithful member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Jonesboro. She dedicated her life to Jehovah in 1975, serving Him to the very end.

Nona enjoyed many hobbies and took pleasure in the simple things in life. She loved working puzzles, spending time outdoors enjoying nature, walking, and gardening. She also enjoyed playing cards, especially Rummy, Phase 10, and Skip-Bo. Nona enjoyed sewing and crocheting. She found great joy in reading and studying the Bible.

Above all, she strived to tell others about her God, Jehovah, and the promises He holds for the future.

In addition to her parents, Nona was preceded in death by her husband, Danny Bivens; two sons, Terry Merrell and Charles Woodard; four brothers, Bobby Sparks, Millard Sparks, C.W. Sparks, and Drury Sparks; and three sisters, Frances Roberts, Rosie Peterson, and Wilmath Yadon.

She is survived by one son, Daniel Woodard of Jonesboro; one daughter, Alesia Hancock of Jonesboro; one brother, Larry Sparks; three sisters, Barbara Collins, Kathy Davis, and Paula McArthur; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a lifetime of friends who will cherish her memory.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.