Vera Faye Whitaker Nichols

Vera Faye Whitaker Nichols was born July 3, 1922, in the Lilbert community in Nacogdoches County to Nolan L. and Mae Self Whitaker. She attended Lilbert School through her sophomore year, then attended Cushing School where she participated on the volleyball team. Mrs. Nichols graduated in 1939 from Cushing High School. On Aug. 23, 1941, she married Herbert Nichols, her high school sweetheart.

After their marriage she was a homemaker, taking care of their son while her husband served in the military during World War II. In 1952, Mrs. Nichols began working at Rusk State Hospital. While working there she also attended Henderson County Junior College (now Trinity Valley). She graduated in 1954 with an associate’s degree in nursing. She continued working at the hospital until her retirement in 1984 having attained the position of Administrative Technician. After retirement, Mrs. Nichols enjoyed spending time with her family. She was known for her baking skills and caring for her grandchildren. The verses from Proverbs 31:10-31 describing the virtuous woman are her epitaph. She was a member of Lilbert Baptist Church. Mrs. Nichols passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, at her home in Lilbert. She was preceded in death by her son, H.L. “Nick” Nichols; her parents; and her brothers, Chester, Lenoy, Guy and David Whitaker.

She is survived by her husband of 77 years Herbert Nichols of Lilbert; daughters and son-in-law, Linda Nichols and Lisa and Glenn Heath; and grandchildren, Tammy and Randy Rasberry, Terry and Leslie Nichols, Ron and Amy Nichols, Kristol and Jason Biaza, Bryan Nichols, Seth Pounds, Blake and Breanne Heath, Briley Heath and Bethanie Heath. Mrs. Nichols is also survived by great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Ryan Massingill, Aaron and Megan Nichols, Austin Rasberry, Taylor Nichols, Andrew Nichols, Riley Nichols, Lexie Nichols, Benjamin Nichols, Danielle Simmons and Blake and Terra Simmons.

In addition, she is survived by great-great-grandchildren, Ellie Massingill, Penelope White and Scarlett White. Services will be Saturday, April 27, at 10 a.m. at the Dickie Allen Funeral Home Chapel. A visitation will be Friday, April 26, from 6-8 p.m., also at the funeral home. Services will be conducted by Bro. Don Copeland.