Nina Simone Cartwright

Nina Simone Cartwright, daughter of Jackie Thomas and Gloria Jean (Lewis) Thomas, was born on November 1, 1964, in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1967, her family relocated to the Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri area, where she grew up and graduated from Waynesville High School. After high school, Nina married and lived in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Indiana before returning to the Waynesville area in 2009. On May 25, 2012, she was united in marriage to Anthony Wayne Cartwright in Evansville, Indiana. This union brought two families together, including Darryl, Rapheal, Rolly, Rochelle, Rakole, and Rex. Nina was a hardworking woman who took pride in supporting her family. She worked for EDP on Fort Leonard Wood and served as a counselor for Behavioral Health, including at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital. In her spare time, Nina enjoyed watching television—especially with "her" remote control—and loved traveling to see different parts of the country. Her family was always her top priority, and she cherished spending time swimming with her grandchildren and sharing special moments with them. Nina entered her heavenly home on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 60. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Anthony Cartwright; six children: Darryl McCoy, Rapheal McCoy, Rolly Cartwright, Rochelle Cartwright, Rakole Clayton (Whitney), and Rex Abll; nine grandchildren: Damarii, Damya, Khali, Harper, Rhys, Major, Honesty, Rakhyla, and Zhylen; her father: Jackie Thomas (Doloress Thomas); one sister, Joan Thomas; one brother, Tiyhon Thomas; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends. Nina was preceded in death by her mother: Gloria Jean (Lewis) Thomas. Nina touched the hearts of many with her warmth, generosity, and unwavering spirit. Her resilience and quiet confidence inspired those around her to persevere and embrace hope. Friends fondly remember her infectious laughter, straightforward wisdom, and the light she brought into any room. Her support extended beyond her immediate family, as she was a pillar for her community and built lasting bonds with neighbors, colleagues, and friends. Her faith was her guiding light, shaping her kindness and compassion. The memories she created—joyous family gatherings, spontaneous adventures, and quiet moments of understanding—will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. As her family and friends gather to celebrate her remarkable life, they remember her lessons: to cherish every moment, nurture meaningful relationships, and greet each day with gratitude and grace. Though Nina is no longer with us in body, her spirit endures in the lives she touched. Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Willie “Shockie” Thorton officiating. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions in memory of Nina Cartwright may be made and may be left at the funeral home.

Nina Simone Cartwright

November 1, 1964 - July 16, 2025