Mary Jane Nichols, 96, of Columbia passed away Monday December 10, 2018 at Boone Hospital. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am – 11:00 am followed by funeral services at 11:00 am on Friday December 14, 2018 at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mary Jane was born to J.J. (Jim) and Susie Roddy Douglas on February 26, 1922. She graduated from Hickman High school in 1939, attended Kirksville Teaching College and the University of Missouri’s School of Education. She taught at the Cunningham and Pauley rural schools for several years. Mary Jane married Robert L. Nichols on December 24, 1942. He preceded her in death in 2003.
After 30 years, she retired from Centerre Bank, formerly Columbia Savings Bank, as Assistant Vice President and Personnel Officer, at which time she was declared a life time member of the Columbia Chapter of the Personnel Society. She attended Banking School at the University of Nebraska and the Bank Personnel School at the University of Oklahoma. She also took numerous courses at the Institute of Banking.
She has been a long time member of the Older American Klub as board member, chair, and in the rhythm band, performing at many nursing homes. Mary Jane and Robert formed the “Country Four and Sidekick” band and performed at nursing homes for many years. She and her husband held jam sessions for many years at the Older Americans Klub, drawing musicians from around the area. Mary Jane also enjoyed dancing, music, flowers, and gardening.
Since retirement in 1987, Mary Jane had volunteered at Boone County Hospital, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, and the Columbia Area Senior Center. She was nominated for the Golden Rule Award and the J.C. Penny Award, and was a former member of the National Association of Bank Women.
She is survived by nieces and nephews, Gloria (Don) McCubbin, James B. Douglas, Robert E. (Pam) Douglas, Elson (Vera Jean) Nichols, James D. Nichols, Phebe Nichols, James A. Sapp, Gary (Hazel) Hudson, Laura Beth Nichols, Vernel Waters, Susie (Doug) Sovers, Judy (Dan) Herring, and Barbara Dawson; as well as many other great nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by husband, Robert Nichols; brothers, JR and Joe Douglas; sisters-in-law, Marjorie and Margaret Douglas; infant niece, Mary Ellen Douglas; and nieces and nephews, Ned Douglas, Glenn Hardy Sapp, Junior Nichols, Palis Nichols Jr., Billy P. Nichols, Ralph Nichols, Wally Nichols, and Sissy Nichols.
Memorials may be sent to the Columbia Area Senior Center or the charity of the donor’s choice, c/o Memorial Funeral Home, Columbia, MO 65202.
