Winona Thiel

Freeda Winona Black Thiel, known to many as “Nona,” age 91, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Greene Acres Nursing Home. She was predeceased by her parents, Henry Roy and Linnie (Skaggs) Black, four siblings: Ocel, Opal Black (Horton), Leland, and Darrell Black, and a previous husband George Edward Thiel, Jr. She is survived by her son, Michael Edward Thiel; a bonus daughter, Linda Kaye Northen; a granddaughter, Sarah Kathryn Thiel; two great-furbabies, Jezzy and Sammy; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Winona was born during the Great Depression and knew what it was like to have little and what it was like to have much. She was one of five children, literally sang her way into kindergarten, went to a one-room school house, and graduated from college. Winona worked at Arkansas State University for 33 1/2 years in the College of Arts and Sciences (at the time), and after she retired, volunteered with Downtown Main Street, was involved with numerous church activities, and spent countless hours at Hancock Fabrics making the most beautiful quilts and throws. In her spare time, she enjoyed singing, reading, collecting recipes, weekly Friday dinners, and most of all, spending time with her family and friends.
To know Winona was to know both a feisty soul and fierce love. She was a life-long member of East Side Baptist Church (around 80 years), and was a very active member of her church choir. She showed much love to traditional hymns and was always preparing for the next cantata. Winona had several Godly gifts in this life, including that of service and of witnessing. She participated in Sunday School work for many years, held hands with strangers, prayed with hundreds, and led more people to Christ than she will ever know, including that of her own granddaughter. The number of people in her earthly body she touched with acts of faith, kindness, and compassion is likely a number unknown. She left a legacy long beyond this world.
A memorial service will be held at Heath’s Funeral Home at 5 PM Thursday, March 12th, 2020, with visitation to follow until 7 PM. Jackie Fulton and Ray Noel will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorials can be made through East Side Baptist Church music ministry in Paragould, AR.
The family would like to personally thank the staff at NEA Baptist Hospital, NEA Baptist Outpatient Physical Therapy, The Family Practice Clinic, members of East Side Baptist Church, and the medical personnel at Greene Acres Nursing Home, where she resided in her final years. The care, love, and friendship shown to both Winona and our family has truly been wonderful.