DeQuetta Joyce Netherton

DeQuetta "Dee" Joyce Netherton, age 87, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. Born on January 7, 1939, in Paris, Arkansas, to Carl and Mary Nell Rice, she lived a life centered on family, simple pleasures, and quiet generosity.

DeQuetta was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend whose warm presence touched everyone she met. She took great care with her appearance and never left the house without her hair, makeup, and nails perfectly done. She found deep joy in the outdoors, spending many happy hours gardening, fishing, hunting, and simply soaking up the sunshine. Flowers delighted her, and she could never have too many. She expressed her love through cooking, gathering family and friends around her table to create lasting memories. Her signature greeting—“Hi baby”—followed by a hug and a kiss welcomed every visitor at her door.

She is survived by her children, Rhonda Shaw and husband Ricky, Beverly French and husband Eddie, Pamela “Pam” Williams and husband Mark, and James “Jimmy” Sheplear and wife Kreshna; her stepchildren, Tamara Ragon and husband Russell, and Bethlynn Netherton; her brother, Tommy Rice and wife Shirley; 15 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Mary Nell Rice; her husband, David Marion Netherton; her siblings, Carl Dean “CD” Rice, Loretta “Jean” Epperson, and Gary Rice; and her stepson, Timothy “Tim” Netherton.