Nelda Jo Huddleston

Nelda Jo (Byrd) Huddleston entered eternal life on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Salem, Arkansas, at age 79. She was born Monday, July 19, 1943, to Harlin and Laura (Rice) Byrd in the Peebles House, which was near Three Brothers. She and her family attended the Liberty Church of Christ, which her grandfather Clem Rice was involved in starting and who traveled by horseback preaching in Northern Arkansas and Southern Missouri. In later years she was a long time member of the Mountain Home Church of Christ. She was a passionate and devoted Christian who loved to tell people about Jesus, a polio survivor who went on to graduate from Hollister High School, Harding College, and later Abilene Christian University with her Masters degree in Education. She married David Huddleston with whom she raised two children, taught elementary and middle school, was a missionary on several continents, and taught, counseled, and advocated for disabled and special needs youth and adults. Her granddaughter Katie described her as unstoppable, strong, beautiful, resilient, overcomer, polio survivor, and never met a stranger… just a new friend.

Jo Huddleston is survived by her brother, Dr. Richard (Jo) Byrd; son, Jonathan (Rachel) Huddleston; and daughter, Regina (Brad) Renfroe; six grandchildren, Ian, Faith, Katie, Annie, Abbie, and Avyn; and a flock of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.

Visitation will be Sunday, July 2, 2023, from 1:30 pm until service time, at Mountain Home Church of Christ. A Funeral Service for Nelda will be 2:30 pm, Sunday, July 2, 2023, at Mountain Home Church of Christ. Burial will be in the Rice Family Cemetery, Mountain Home, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made in memory of Nelda Jo Huddleston to the World English Institute (WEI): WEI / Maryville Church of Christ, PO Box 5293, Maryville, TN 37802.

Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com .