Freda (Steenburgen) Bell Nichols of North Little Rock, Arkansas, departed this life on October 13, 2025, at the age of 100. She was born on January 15, 1925, in Grand Glaise, Arkansas, as the only daughter of William Sidney Steenburgen and Aimee Pauline (Davis) Steenburgen.
She was a dedicated homemaker who cherished time spent with her family and friends. Affectionately known as “Gigi” by her grandchildren, she always kept a bowl of Hershey Kisses by her side. A wonderful cook and avid reader, she enjoyed watching PBS and was always ready to play cards or other games. Her outgoing personality shone through in her love for socializing and sharing laughter.
She was preceded in death by two husbands, Vandell “Jan” J. Bell, Sr. and Thurston H. Nichols; her son, Vandell “Van” James Bell, Jr.; her daughter, Amy Bell Schaefer; a grandson, Scott Schaefer; four brothers, Willie, Maurice, Woodrow, and Howard Steenburgen; and her parents.
Mrs. Nichols is survived by two daughters, Becky Anderson and her husband Robert of Wichita, Kansas, and Teresa Kenyon and her husband Mark of Mountain Home, Arkansas. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren—Brad Schaefer and his wife Wintress, Rob Anderson and his wife Stephanie, Kristin McClain and her husband Monty, Ben Bullock and his wife Thea, Brian Bullock and his wife Audrey, and Elizabeth Kenyon-Scheer—as well as thirteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, several nieces and nephews, and a lifetime of friends.
Graveside services will be held at Walnut Grove Cemetery on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Mark Kenyon, Ben Bullock, Brian Bullock, Jacob Bullock, Tanner Bullock, Rob Anderson, Ethan Anderson, and Jake McClain.
The Family of Mrs. Nichols wishes to express a special thank you to Mary and Nancy for their love and care.
Memorials may be made to Lake Forest Senior Living, Attn: Todd Bunch, 300 Good Samaritan Drive, Mountain Home, AR 72653. Funds will be reserved for an employee holiday event to honor them for all they do. The family appreciates this huge gesture…and thank you for honoring all the caregivers who work so closely with our loved ones.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
