Mary Patricia (Hicks) Nichols, 71, of Vidalia, GA was called to her heavenly home on Sunday October 7, 2018 surrounded by her loved ones.  She fought a hard war against her illness and many times surprised her family, friends, and doctors when she’d win one battle after another. 

Pat was born May 22, 1947 in Chatahoochie, Florida to Dovie Alsas Enfinger Hicks and William Allen Hicks (both deceased).   She was raised by her legal aunt and uncle Annie & Mallie Enfinger, Sr after her mother’s death when she was a young child.  She attended Vashti School in Thomasville, Ga from 7th through 12th grade where she made life-long friends who remained in her life today through regular reunions, which she most often organized and orchestrated.  Those ‘sisters of different mothers’ came when she called, from Florida, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.  She obtained an Associates of Science degree from USC- Salkehatchie in 1994 full filling one of her items on her ‘bucket list’.  She was a dedicated and active member of First Baptist Church in Allendale until her illness.  She had been in and out of hospice services the past 8 years, often calling herself the Hospice Houdini.  She spent many years as a office assistant doing insurance and legal work.  She worked as the Principal’s Secretary at Allendale-Fairfax High School from 1989-1999.  She then worked at Ashleigh Place Group Home for over 10 years, retiring from there.  Pat was an individual who always saw the best in everyone and believed in the value of friendship and the importance of family. 

She was predeceased by her parents and adopted parents; her beloved sister Merle Spears and brother in law L.C. Spears, and sisters Betty Hicks Holmes and Mae Bartholf; brothers Paul Enfinger and Mallie Enfinger (Betty); her mother and father in law, Frankie and Ned Nichols, Sr; one of her ‘sisters of different mothers’ Tinker Cummings.

Pat is survived by her husband of 50 years Ned Nichols, Jr. of Vidalia, GA; daughters Dr. Rennie Nichols Bailey (Michael) of Vidalia, GA, JoAnna Nichols Plunkett (Jay) of Irmo, SC, and Jamie Nichols (Trey Kerwin) of Lexington, SC; Sister in law Rossie Nichols Reid (Paul) of Edisto, SC; grandchildren Jade Bailey, Sonny Bailey, Jamie Rhodes, Alexandra Bailey, Lilly Bailey, Heather Rhodes, Jordan Bailey, and Wesley Plunkett and a great grand-daughter Vivi Bailey.  She was also the much loved Aunt and Great Aunt to many nieces, nephews and cousins, a special one Sue Harvey (Gordon) of Hampton, SC. Her ‘sisters of different mothers’ Joyce Dugan, Alison Baker, Frances Price, Shirley Nelson, Patsie Whittington, Janet Godwin, and Rebecca Clemans.

Pat was known for her story telling and writing ability.  She had a column in the local newspaper called ‘Day in Day out’ and later changed the title to ‘A Nichols Worth’.  She had the ability to transform words into picturesque stories of art, capturing emotions felt by all.  Her lifelong mission was to help others and she gave unselfishly, positively influencing many along the way, no matter their age.  Her greatest source of pride in addition to her family, was her work at Ashleigh Place. Pat was the perfect example of what a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend should be in the eyes of the Lord.  She is now singing with the angels, standing tall and breathing good.  All her friends and family can take comfort knowing it is well with her soul. 

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at Keith Smith Funeral Home in Allendale, SC from 6pm -8pm. Funeral services will be held at Allendale First Baptist Church on Wednesday October 10, 2018 at 11am.  Pastor Mary Beth Byrne, a former Vashti School teacher will officiate.  Stewart-Rosier Funeral Home of Vidalia, GA is coordinating with Keith Smith Funeral Home in Allendale, SC.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Serenity Hospice Care at www.serenityhospicecares.org or 1022 Hillcrest Parkway Suite 200 Dublin, GA 31021.