Judy E Nichols

Judy (Judith Elaine) Nichols passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2015, at Northeastern Health System, Tahlequah, OK, in the presence of her family, surrounded by love and prayers. Judy courageously battled ALS-- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, for the past 15 months. Judy was born on June 22, 1946, in Holdenville, Oklahoma. Judy graduated from Broken Arrow High School in 1964 where she met the love of her life Randy. She attended Oklahoma State University for two years before graduating with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education at Northeastern State University. After beginning her career in education at Broken Arrow Elementary School for 3 years and Locust Grove for 4 years, Judy relocated to Fort Gibson where she served as a third grade teacher for 19 years, a middle school civics teacher for 3 years and ultimately as the assistant principal of the middle school for 14 years. Throughout her 43 years in education, she made a lasting impact in the lives of countless students, teachers, administrators, staff, and parents. An active member of the Fort Gibson community, Judy served on the Board of Trustees, ultimately serving as the Mayor of Fort Gibson. Judy was truly an incredible person with such a giving heart. Her joy in life was caring for her family and her students. She was a bright soul that lit up any room she entered. Judy will be remembered for always being there to provide comfort, guidance, and encouragement. Judy will be fondly remembered for her loving and nurturing presence in many lives and will be greatly missed. Judy was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Willie (Dees) Murry and her brother Bill Murry all of Broken Arrow, OK. Judy is survived by her high school sweetheart, a devoted and loving husband, Randy Nichols. She is survived by her loving sons, Jason Nichols and wife Robyn of Broken Arrow; and Jacob Nichols and wife Lindsay of Fort Gibson. Her favorite role was Grandma to her grandsons, Justin Nichols and Aaron Nichols, and her granddaughter Claire Nichols. She is survived by one brother, Harold Murry, and wife Ann, of Charlotte, NC; and one sister-in-law, Theresa Murry, of Houston, TX. She is survived by nieces Gina Kay Gregg, Elizabeth Murry and Sarah Hunt, and nephews Chuck Nichols, Nick Nichols, Rick Nichols, Billy Murry, Brian Murry, and Brandon Murry. Judy is also survived by numerous precious family members and dear friends for whom her spirit and love will endure. We will all love and miss her greatly, but are blessed for her reunion with family that preceded her and being in the Lord's presence, standing straight and strong. A visitation will be held Thursday, February 19, 2015 at the Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson with the family receiving friends from 5PM-7PM. A funeral service celebrating the life of Judy Nichols will be held on Friday, February 20, 2015, at 10:00 AM in the Christian Life Center at the First United Methodist Church of Fort Gibson at 302 North Beauregard with Pastor Barry Collins officiating. Internment at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery will follow immediately after the service. Serving as pallbearers are: Ben Pemberton, Greg Phares, Mike Donahue, Joe Rybolt, Bill Roberts, and Sam Carter. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor mom's spirit by loving selflessly and without reservation. The family of Judy Elaine Nichols has entrusted her services and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home 1224 E Poplar/PO Box 1973 Fort Gibson, OK. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Judy E Nichols

June 22, 1946 - February 17, 2015