Liza Goodson Nichols
10/23/1952 - 11/11/2025

Liza Goodson Nichols went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 11, 2025, at the age of 73 after a valiant battle with cancer.

Born on October 23, 1952, in Dallas, TX to James Butler Goodson and Molly Barnes Goodson, Liza graduated from Highland Park High School and went on to attend the University of Arkansas.

Liza was a woman of steady faith, quiet strength, and extraordinary talent. A gifted chef, she built a successful catering business in Dallas and always delighted family and friends with meals that were as heartfelt as they were delicious.

Liza had a true gift for hospitality. She welcomed others with a generosity and ease that made every gathering feel special. Her touch brought beauty to everything around her—with simple clippings of fresh cut flowers, herbs and citrus taken from her beautiful garden, to her impeccable tablescapes, she had a remarkable way of making guests feel welcomed, valued, and completely at home. She was the true Martha Stewart in our lives, but better. Yet the truth is that Liza was entirely her own—pairing approachable elegance with tasteful charm with each meal and welcomed visit.

Known for her calm and loving demeanor, Liza radiated kindness and wisdom wherever she went. Her faith, the cornerstone of her life, was tested many times over the years, yet she faced every challenge with unwavering dignity and grace.

Liza found deep joy in spending time outdoors in God’s natural beauty. From hiking the peaceful trails surrounding Telluride, to cozying up to a piñon wood fireplace in Santa Fe, Liza embraced nature. She was most at peace at their beautiful home at Lamb’s Creek. Her home was her sanctuary, where she delighted in admiring the birds and baby fawns from the back porch, tending to her chickens, and caring for her impeccable garden.

These simple, sacred moments outdoors grounded her. Being at home and having loved ones visit delivered a full circle sense of God’s presence that sustained her throughout her life.

Above all, the greatest joy in Liza’s life was her family. The true matriarch of her family, Liza was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-aunt, and loyal friend to so many. An adoring wife to her loving husband of 46 years, Rusty, the two hardly spent a day apart from one another. Always putting his needs first, Liza’s love for Rusty was unwavering and eternal.

Liza cherished her two grandchildren, Rusty and Haise, among the many great-nieces and nephews she was blessed with. Prior to each visit, she would thoughtfully prepare their favorite dishes such as her world famous “Lolly Rice” and French Silk Chocolate pies. With her grandson “Little Rusty”, Liza was on-the-move and always up for his next adventure, ready to explore and get her hands dirty. With Haise, she would share stories of wisdom and faith on their strolls through her garden, gathering eggs from her chicken coop, and cooking in the kitchen. Liza poured her heart and soul into forging intimate time and memories with each one of her “grands” and “greats”. They all were the lights of her life, and her deep affection for each one of them showed abundantly.

Liza deeply treasured her friendships that shaped her life—especially her childhood and Kerrville friends who stood with her through every season of life—through all the years of laughter, tears, celebrations and challenges, they were her sisters.

Liza leaves behind a legacy of love, beauty, and gentle strength—one that lives on in every person she touched, every table she prepared, and every quiet moment of peace she found in God’s creation. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Liza is preceded in death by her parents, Molly and James Goodson, her sister, Laurie Goodson Glasgow, her nephew Stephen Collins Owen, Jr. and her mother-in-law, Marty Nichols. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Rusty Nichols, her sons Jason Nichols and Will Nichols (Shannon), her brothers Jim Goodson and Tom Goodson, nieces Molly Soper (Steven), Claire Goodson (Travis), Liza Goodson, and nephews Sam Owen (Katie) and Henry Goodson. Lovingly known as “Lolly” to her grandchildren and great nieces and nephews: Rusty and Haise Nichols, Mary, Sally, and James Soper, Teddy, George, and Rosie Owen, Liza, Hayes and Marlo Terry, and Millie Owen.

A celebration of life service is planned for Monday, November 24, 2025 at 2:00 pm at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 320 St. Peter Street, Kerrville, TX 78028.

Obituary Provided By:

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