Ann Nieto

Ann Verkler Nieto, born Dec 1,1936 in Black Rock, AR to loving parents, Jewel and Sylvia Thomas Verkler. She was a woman of strong faith and conviction who was welcomed at the pearly gates on January 31, 2026 by loved ones lost, but not forgotten. She is at peace now, with no pain and sorrow.

Her legacy is daughter Sylvia (Mike) Vanlandingham, granddaughter Jaime (Andrew) Murray, great grandchildren Maya, Maggie, and Shepard. Grandson Michael (Taylor) Vanlandingham, great grandchildren, twins Vera and Heidi, Graham and Krissy Jo, and granddaughter Jenna Vanlandingham.

Natalie (Brandon) Clements and lots of fur grandbabies.

Rebecca (Jay) James, granddaughter Jodi (Adam) Persiani, grandson Jackson James and granddaughter Jessica James.

Ann made the most of her 89 years on earth. She gave when she had little to give and she took in anyone who needed love and comfort. She was the life of every party with fun games, music, and laughter and everyone was invited.

Ann taught at Bryan Adams High School in Dallas, TX for over 20 years. She was a visionary with children' s theatre, and her pride and creation were her Patchwork Players, a touring children's theater group who traveled over the Dallas-Ft Worth area bringing fables, wonder and life lessons to many children.

When she retired from teaching, she moved to Harpers Ferry, WV to start a daycare. She had family there, and WV was a beautiful place for her to call home for many years. She then moved to Searcy AR to be closer to her children. She worked for the Literacy Council of White County and taught many people to read and speak English, while developing special bonds with her students there.

From an early point in her life, she loved theater and that would be her life’s joy; children’s theater, reader’s theater, and live theater. Ann was involved in countless productions throughout her life and if at all possible, she will probably be trying to start some kind of theater group in heaven, with her as the director, of course.

Ann was a force and was not ever content to slow down. Only age and sickness stopped her and her passing has left a huge void in our hearts.

She delighted in her last years in her ‘deluxe apartment in the sky’ at Woodland Heights in Little Rock, thanks to her daughter Sylvia and son in law Mike Vanlandingham. She brought many residents there beauty, fun, colors, and hats. Lots of hats. She will truly be missed.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity organization.

A Celebration of Ann’s Life will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Woodland Heights, 8700 Riley Dr in Little Rock.

www.searcymceuenfuneralhome.com