Willie Mae Nichols passed away peacefully on March 6, 2022. She was born March 28, 1932, in Verden, Oklahoma. Over the last 12 years, she had a series of health setbacks and remarkable recoveries.

She attended high school in Verden, Oklahoma, where she was active in the drama program and played basketball. It was there that she caught the eye of a dashing young football star, Lyman W. Nichols; they were married in 1953. They celebrated the 48th anniversary of their marriage in 2001.

In addition to building a spotless, loving home and raising a family, she worked in the family business, Nichols Energy Services, from 1979 until she retired in 2010. She obtained her real estate license in 1999 and attended cooking, sewing, and ceramic classes. She leaves a beautiful legacy of stories, recipes, and art.

She loved her garden; pansies were her favorite. She was the one who neighbors depended upon and the glue that held our families together. She made every holiday and special occasion memorable. Her voice will forever be heard singing Heavenly Sunshine in the church choir.

Willie Mae loved her family! She is survived by her two children: Lyman William Nichols, Jr. ("Nick") and wife, Dana; and Leesa Nichols Nestell and husband, Jeff; three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild: Will Nichols and wife, Kelsey, and son Theodore; Callie Appleyard and husband, Andrew; and the youngest, Carter Nestell, as well as honorary members, Olivia Umanzor and family.

Wille Mae loved and was treasured by a circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She will be greatly missed; however, everyone should be comforted to know that, through her faith in Jesus Christ, today Willie Mae sees by sight what she used to see by faith.

Willie Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Lyman W. Nichols, Sr.; her parents, William and Bessie Novy; four sisters and two brothers. We celebrate her life and strength.

A memorial service will be held in the Chapel of Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City at 2PM on April 1, 2022.

Family graveside services were held at The Memory Lane Cemetery in Anadarko, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the following charities:

American Heart Association

800-AHA-USA1

https://www2.heart.org

Positive Tomorrows

405-556-5082

https://www.positivetomorrows.org/

Willie Mae Nichols Live Stream 04/01/22 @ 2pm

https://vimeo.com/686424140/e869650063