Frances Nichols passes at 91
By Charlie Anderson Contributing Writer

Frances Nichols

When Frances Vivian Nichols passed away on Thursday, February 21, 2008, a void was left in the lives of those family members and friends whom she had richly blessed during her 91 years on this earth. It also brought sadness to a whole community who had been inspired and directly influenced by the vibrancy and dedication to others she had shown throughout her life.

Born on August 23, 1916 in Waverly, Virginia, she was the oldest of Ralph and Carrie Plummer's nine children. Growing up in Grove Hill, Alabama, where her parents spent the majority of their lives, she graduated from Clarke County High School in 1934 and then from Judson College in 1938 with a BS Degree in Mathematics. After her graduation from college she put her degree to work teaching math in the public schools in both Grove Hill and Thomasville for a span that covered 18 years. At that point she became the Accountant/ Bookkeeper for the Thomasville City Schools where she worked for an additional 18 years before retiring in 1981.

She was married to the late Earl Buren Nichols who preceded her in death having passed away on June 21, 1987. As a couple who truly loved each other they were a shining example of what marriage was supposed to be like. Even though they were not blessed with children of their own, many of those young people she taught in school as well as her nieces and nephews looked at her almost like another mother and found hours of enjoyment in the Nichols home. Through testimony of many of her former students it was her encouragement and willingness to invest herself in their lives that had a profound influence on them being able to accomplish what they did after high school.

In addition to her work, Mrs. Nichols was an active member of the Thomasville Baptist Church for 53 years where she served as a Sunday School teacher and member of the choir. She was also active in the community as well, actively participating in several civic and literary clubs. Recognizing her contributions to the community since moving to Thomasville in 1939, the Thomasville Chamber of Commerce honored her with the first ever Senior Achiever Award.

Beyond all of her accomplishments and the honors that were bestowed upon her during her life, her greatest legacy will be the love and loyalty she had for family and friends and her relentless effort to make sure those of us left behind understand the importance of maintaining the relationships that keep family and friends together.

Reader Comments

Posted By audrey porter (3/1/2008 3:26 PM EDT):
Aunt Frances was a graceful southern Lady who showed me integrity and unconditional love as long as I knew her. She accepted my family as her own, and she saw me through the saddest and happiest days of my life. Thanks for the love, the tears and the friendship. You are always in my heart! Love you- Audrey

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