Jean Nichols

Jean Nichols, beloved mother and grandmother, died peacefully at her home at Summit Square, at age 92, on May 6, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Bill Nichols and is survived by her daughter, Kit Nichols, Kit’s sons Ben and Jeff Soldate, and by her son, John Nichols, his wife Suzanne, their daughter Paige Anderson (Marc) and son, Tyler Nichols.

Jean was born March 6, 1924 in Kansas City, Missouri to John L and Agnes Brannum. She graduated from Hyde Park High School in Chicago then attended Northwestern University while working in Chicago.

On March 6, 1944 she enlisted in the Women’s Reserve, US Naval Reserve, (WAVES) as an Apprentice Seaman. She attended the US Naval Training Schools in Bronx, NY and Milledgeville, GA and served at Naval Air Station, Quonset Point, RI. She was rated Storekeeper First Class and was honorably discharged in April 1946. Jean then attended the University of Missouri School of Journalism, graduating in 1949.

Jean and Bill Nichols were married in July 1950 in Chicago, IL. They began their married life in Schenectady, NY where Bill was an engineer for General Electric and Jean worked in the advertising department. They moved to Waynesboro, VA in 1955 when GE transferred the engineers of Specialty Control from Schenectady.

She lived the rest of her life in Waynesboro and contributed to the development, growth and life of the community through her volunteer service to numerous organizations and through her professional life with the Waynesboro News Virginian where she wrote the “Arts and You” column and served as Family Fare Editor.

First and foremost in her life, after her family, was her church, Main Street United Methodist. In the Methodist tradition she gave generously of her time, talent and service to the church and the church community.

She was involved in the American Association of University Women (AAUW) at the local and state levels, serving as the Virginia Division President 1974-75. Through her work in the League of Women Voters she authored a guide for the residents of Waynesboro, both newcomers and native, “Know Your City, Waynesboro” which was published and distributed for several decades.

She was a strong advocate for public education, serving on the Waynesboro School Board from 1963 to 1968 and was its chairman 1967-68. During this time Waynesboro was one of the first school districts in the state to unify the school system on a local plan of desegregation. Also during this time a new Junior High School (Kate Collins Jr High) was completed and opened and a new elementary school (Berkley Glen) was built. It opened in 1968. Jean’s dedication to education continued as she participated on the committee to develop an area vocational center. This center opened in September 1973. For many years she enriched the lives of children by serving as a reading tutor in the elementary schools.

In addition to her term on the school board, Jean served the City of Waynesboro as City Clerk-Clerk of the Council from 1972-1977. She also served as a member of the Waynesboro Electoral Board.

She devoted countless hours to volunteer service in the community, often in leadership roles. Among the organizations she served was the Valley Program for Aging Services and Meals on Wheels.

Closest to her heart was her work with Hospice of the Shenandoah where she served on the board, was a hospice volunteer and was instrumental in the development of Camp Dragonfly, a weekend camp program for grieving children.

The lives of countless persons were enriched by Jean’s tireless work on behalf of others. She was a shining example of how to live a good life by doing good. She will be deeply missed by her children and grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, May 13, 2016, 11 AM at Main Street United Methodist Church, Waynesboro.

Memorial contributions may be made to Augusta Health Foundation for Camp Dragonfly, P.O. Box 100, Fishersville, VA 22939 http://www.augustahealth.com/camp-dragonfly.