Reba Nell Morgan

Reba Nell (Rice) Morgan, 80, of Bay gained her heavenly crown Monday, January 16, 2023.

Born April 29, 1942 to Thomas and Jimmy (Mabe) Rice in Sparta, TN, Reba completed 8th grade at Black Oak School. In her later teen years, she moved to Indiana following industry with her older siblings. There, she met her love, Billy Gene Morgan, while she worked as a carhop. Handsome, persistent and a generous tipper, Reba agreed to marry Billy in 1959 at just 17.

For the following 48 years she was known as his babydoll until Billy’s passing in 2007. Together, they raised four children: Cindy, Mike, Sheila and Mark. Returning to the South near family in the 1970s, Reba completed her GED at Bay High School while attending night school, working at Frolic Shoe Company during the day, and raising four children. She later applied to cosmetology school.

In 1985 Reba retired and became full time grandma and gardener. With the greenest thumb around, she grew some of the most beautiful flowers in the county.

One of the sweetest and gentle souls, Reba was always known as being nice to everyone and tried to take care of anyone she could; didn’t matter their story. She loved to feed people, and she loved Jesus. Reba loved to cook and was known for her coconut cake, chocolate chip cookies and turkey dressing, to name a few. She also loved high heels, lipstick, hair curlers, jewelry, fancy clothes and Dolly Parton.

Most of all, Reba loved her grandchildren: Heather, Daniel, Matthew, Kayla, Andrew, Whitney, Melissa, Jennifer, John Shannon, David and Steven. She was the very definition of grandma, fulfilled that role to perfection, and loved like no other.

Reba had a very special relationship with her five sisters, who were so dear to her: Lena, Joyce, Shirley, Peggy and Elise. These ladies loved to laugh, along with their brother, Billy. Their bond was strong, and their love was deep.

Reba’s memory and spirit will live on in those who have survived her, and will deeply miss her: sons, Mark Morgan of Trumann, Mike Morgan of Bay, granddaughters, Heather Broadway (Cody) of Fayetteville, Kayla Hillis (Dustin) of Trumann, Whitney Morgan of Trumann, Melissa Hicks of Durham, NC. Grandsons, Daniel Rodgers (Brittney) of Lake City, Matthew Rodgers (Ashley) of Bay, Andrew Morgan of Trumann, John Shannon Hicks of Adamsville, TN, David Hicks of Adamsville, TN. Great grandchildren: Lennox, Anderson, Jace, Lexi, Mackenzie, Clara, Kameron and Jep. Special friends, Charlie and Lucy Tice, a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and many kids whom she made feel that she was their grandma too.

Preceded in death by her parents, husband Billy, daughters Sheila and Cindy, sister Elise, sister Dolly, granddaughter Jennifer, grandson Steven, infant grandchild, infant great grandchild, niece Pam, nephew Darrell, niece Vicky, and many other family members, Reba is undoubtedly walking the streets of gold with a beautiful homecoming celebration, and has finally gotten to meet her Jesus face to face.

A visitation to celebrate Reba’s life will be Thursday, January 19th, at 10am at Emerson Funeral Home Chapel, in Jonesboro, followed by a grave side service at 1130am at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery with Bro. Phillip Rodgers officiating. Pallbearers will be Mark Morgan, Mike Morgan, Andrew Morgan, Daniel Rodgers, Matthew Rodgers, Dustin Hillis. Honorary pallbearers will be Austin Johnson, Kane Reithmeyer, Cody Broadway and Phillip Rodgers.