Mary Nichols

In Memory of

Mary Blanche Nichols

September 16, 1926 – May 25, 2021

Mary Blanche Nichols, age 94, died Tuesday May 25, 2021 at her residence in Columbia, Tennessee surrounded by her family.

The Scottsville native was the daughter to the late Howard and Myrtle Goad Jones and is preceded in death by both her husbands William Edward Lantz and Marvin Nichols, two brothers Johnson Jones and Harry Jones and her son in law Rodney Rucker.

Mary met her husband, William Edward Lantz, and was swept off her feet and later got married in 1948. Soon after, they were overjoyed with the welcome of their first and only child, Merijoy.  Mary and Williams would take their daughter on many trips. Mary’s most. Memorable trip was her first adventure to New York City with her daughter. Mary and Merijoy carried this into a tradition to go for many years after.

After the passing of her first husband, William, Mary got a second chance of love after getting to know her neighbor Marvin Nichols. He brought happiness back into her life, they lived everyday to the fullest as they would laugh, travel, and just enjoy being together.

Mary was known for her warm spirt, welcoming smile, sense of humor, and her spunk. She was so generous with her time; she would always find anyone to help. She especially made herself present with elderly citizens, cooking for them, visiting, and taking them to their doctors’ appointments, anything she could do to make their time a little nicer.

Mary harnessed the wonderful skill of embroidery, sewing, crocheting, and quilting. She made these beautiful pieces of clothing and quilts for all of the people she loved but for her daughter especially. Merijoy has a collection of stunning quilts and closets full of clothes handcrafted with her mother’s love.

She is survived by her devoted daughter Merijoy Rucker, a sister-in-law, and two nephews.

A Graveside Service will be Saturday June 12, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the New Salem missionary Baptist Church.