Phyllis Ruth Nichols

Phyllis Ruth Andrew Nichols Phyllis Ruth Andrew Nichols, 89, died April 4, 2016 in Huntsville. She was born on December 27, 1926 in High Point, NC to Huldah Effie Carey and George William Andrew. Soon after her birth, the family moved to Pine Ridge, Kentucky where her Dad was an itinerant Methodist minister and the Superintendent of the Alvin Drew School. Her youth was marked by the freedom of roaming the mountains and gorges of such scenic areas as the Natural Bridge in the Red River area in Kentucky. The family moved to Texas when she was twelve. She graduated from Pasadena High School in 1944 and worked for a time in a jewelry store in Pasadena. Following World War II, she married returning Army veteran, Lewis W. Nichols, Jr. on May 19, 1946. Lewis and his brother Talley started a toy cap pistol business in Pasadena where Phyllis and her sister-in-law, Ruth, were said to be able to assemble toy cap guns in 6 seconds. In 1953, Lewis felt the call to the ministry and the family moved to Dallas to attend Perkins School of Theology at SMU. For Phyllis and Lewis, this was a true partnership where they both dedicated the remainder of their lives in servant leadership to the Methodist Church. While at the Perkins School of Theology, Lewis and Phyllis served at Harris Chapel Methodist Church and the East Texas circuit of Liberty and Coke. After graduation Lewis was assigned to start a new church which became Parkwood Methodist Church in Pasadena. Other pastoral appointments included Wesley Methodist Church, Tyler; First Methodist Church, Angleton; First United Methodist Church, Huntsville; Southwest United Methodist Church, Houston; St. Matthews United Methodist Church, Houston; League City United Methodist Church, League City; First United Methodist Church, Madisonville, where they also served at Evans Chapel, just outside of Leona. They retired to Huntsville where they enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and traveling Europe and the Holy Lands. Phyllis was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, past regent; Colonial Dames 17th Century, past president; Daughters of the American Colonies; the Outlook Club; Walker County Genealogical Society and other local organizations. She organized and taught the JOY Class at First United Methodist Church for over 20 years and was a member of the United Methodist Women. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis W. Nichols, Jr. and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George William Andrew. She is survived by sister Lois Friday and husband Vernon of Huntsville, her sons, Mike Nichols and wife, Carol, of Huntsville; daughter, Mary Ann Nichols and husband, Walter Grider of Quitman; Guy Nichols and wife, Adena, of Elkhart; and Mark Nichols and wife, Sue, of Stayton, Oregon. Grandchildren Amy Nichols Marquis and husband Matt; John Nichols and wife Gillian; Josh Woodall and wife Emily; Katie Woodall Heater and husband Scott; Sarah Kate Grider; Julie Nichols and Christopher Nichols. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Visitation will be Friday, 5 to 7 pm, April 8 at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville. Funeral services will be at 10 am, Saturday, April 9, at First United Methodist Church, Huntsville with burial to follow at Evans Chapel United Methodist Church, of Leona. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to the First United Methodist Church, Huntsville Choir Scholarship Fund. Full obituary may be viewed and memorial condolences made to the family at www.shmfh.com.

Phyllis Ruth Nichols

December 27, 1926 - April 4, 2016