She was born on January 1, 1946 in Laurel, MS and lived a life full of love, laughter, strength and devotion to her family; always offering kindness & encouragement to everyone she met.
She is survived by her loving children, Gaylynn Brown, Shelly Brown Penton (Ray), Patricia Nichelson Smith (Joey) and Coleen Nichelson Pierce; Step Children, Patrick "Nicky" Nichelson (Elaine), Billy Nichelson (Paula), Regina Nichelson Griffin (Ben) and Larry Nichelson (Diane); Grandchildren, Jade Brown (Hannah), Brooke Penton, Erick Brown, Derek Penton (Jena), Brittney Edwards (Elliot) Todd Berger, Taylor Smith (Brianna), Hayden Pierce (Kaitlyn), Haily Pierce, Mackenzie Smith (Dalton), and Josh Smith; 18 Great Grandchildren; one Great Great Grandchild; brother, Robert "Bob" Pulley; brother-in-law, Edgar "Junior" Mooney and many other family members and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Pat Nichelson; mother, Ruby Lee Youngblood Pulley; father, Robert Lee Pulley, brothers, Charles Hendricks, Tommy Pulley, Claude Pulley, and Steve Pulley; sisters, Ginger Pulley, Naomi Butler, Ruby Nell Thomas, and Beverly Mooney; and stepdaughter, Judy May Willis.
Momma had a fun-loving personality that could brighten any room. She had a special gift for making people feel loved and making them laugh with her many jokes and witty personality. She especially loved vacationing with her daughters and niece, taking road trips, traveling the backroads, taking in the beauty of the countryside, and enjoying the quiet peace that only nature could bring. The country was her happy place where she felt most at home. Above all, grandma deeply loved her grandchildren. They were the light of her life and brought her endless joy and pride. She treasured every moment spent with them, sharing laughter, stories, and creating memories that will live on forever. Her love for her family was unwavering and we will always carry a piece of her heart with us. Mary also shared a special and unbreakable bond with her sisters. Their relationship was like no other, filled with love, laughter and a lifetime of shared memories. Whether talking for hours, supporting one another through life’s ups and downs, or simply enjoying each other's company and their connection was one of her greatest blessings.
Funeral Services, officiated by Elder Tommy Hudnall, will be held at White Funeral Home of Poplarville on Friday, March 20, 2025 beginning at Noon. Friends are invited to join the family for visitation from 10:00 until the service begins. Burial will follow in New Palestine Cemetery with Jade Brown, Erick Brown, Hayden Pierce, Derek Penton, Taylor Smith and Josh Smith assisting as pallbearers.
Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing she is at peace. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:1-2 Mary will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
