District Missionary Annie Nolen

  You know very well that we treated each of you the way a father treats his children. We comforted you and encouraged you. Yet, we insisted that you should live in a way that proves you belong to the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory. -1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 

On April 19, 1944, in the small town of Arkadelphia, Arkansas John Ivory and Dessie Lee Bullock welcomed a baby girl into the world, they named her Annie Mae. Little did they know that her life would have such a positive impact on the community in which she lived and the church organization which she served.   She was the second child born to this lovely couple. She attended the Arkadelphia Training school and later graduated from LifeLine Academy with her high school diploma.  

Annie Nolen worked for many years as the Cafeteria Manager at Goza Middle School in Arkadelphia.  She went on to work at Wal-Mart as the Snack Bar Manager for many years.  While engaged in food service she also managed other productive business endeavors as well.  She later opened a restaurant in Arkadelphia, AR known as Ms. Annie’s Place.  Mrs. Annie Nolen was a business entrepreneur in her own rite.  She was affectionately known as Ms. Annie in the Arkadelphia community.

On November 13, 1959, she united in holy matrimony to the love of her life G.C. Nolen, who preceded her in death.  They were truly an example of a loving and committed couple as they celebrated 55 years of love, devotion, and dedication.  To this union, six children were born.
She professed a love for Christ at an early age and joined the New Bethel Baptist Church.  She and Elder Nolen later united with the Williams Temple Church of God in Christ.  She remained at the Williams Temple C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of Elder Paul Williams where she accepted her call as a Missionary. She was a faithful worker in Christ and continued in support of her husband when he was appointed Pastor of the Locust Bayou C.O.G.I.C.  She was later appointed District Missionary of the Camden North District where she served faithfully.  Elder and Missionary Nolen continued with Pastoral Leadership as they founded the New Hope Church of God in Christ in 1991 and also Pastored at the Manchester Church of God in Christ.  Missionary Nolen became the Overseer of the New Hope C.O.G.I.C. in 2015 until the present. Missionary Nolen also became the District Missionary of the Arkadelphia District in 2011, where she served under the leadership of Supt. Leroy Williams. Her passion for Christ not only inspired her to serve in the church but she also gave of herself throughout the community and the 2nd Jurisdiction of Arkansas.  

Her leisure time included fishing, cooking for family gatherings and studying the Word of God.
Missionary Nolen leaves to cherish her legacy of love and service: two sons, two daughters, and one sister: Clara Daniels of Duncanville, TX, Thelma Thomas (Terry) of Corsicana, TX, Keith Nolen (Madilynn) of Texarkana, TX, Roderick Nolen (Keema) of Maumelle, AR and Dessie Mae Owens, of Arkadelphia, AR. There are ten grandchildren: Princeton Thomas (Tonia), Shamalon Houston, Wynton Daniels (Kiah), Kiante, Ania, Ashlei, Kiara, Kyson and Myles Nolen and Gregory Elliot and two great-grandchildren Shamaria Houston, Princeton Thomas Jr, and Alyssa Daniels. There are a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends left to cherish her memory as well as the New Hope Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband:  Husband, Elder G.C. Nolen one daughter, Geneva Nolen and one son George (Vivian)Nolen.  

Public Visitation will be on Thursday, April 9, 2020, at Mitchell Funeral Home in Arkadelphia from 12:30 P.M.-6 P.M. Safe social distancing will be respectfully encouraged and practiced. Private graveside services will be on Friday, April 10, 2020, with Superintendent Leroy Williams serving as officiant and eulogist. There will be an official live streaming of the graveside service available on the Facebook page of Mitchell Funeral Home at 3:30 P.M. 

A memorial service inviting all friends and family to attend will be held to honor Emeritus District Missionary Annie Nolen after the COVID-19 pandemic has been resolved. 

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