Norma Jean Raper Nicholson, 88, passed away Saturday December 3, 2022. She was born on December 17, 1933 in Birmingham, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-seven years Leo Bennett Nicholson Jr and her sister Sue Raper Hearn. She is survived by: Son J. David Nicholson (Tammy) of Birmingham, AL, Son Jeffrey K. Nicholson of Birmingham, AL, Son Kenneth A. Nicholson (Mary Margaret) of Birmingham, AL; Grandson Lt. John K. Nicholson (Navy) of O'ahu, Hawaii, Granddaughter Mary Nicholson Gadus (Eric) of San Antonio, TX; Great-grandchildren Emory A. Gadus and Avery L. Gadus. Growing up as a child in the western section of Birmingham as a daughter of a Southern Railroad man (William T. Raper (Mildred). She graduated from West End High School and soon married Leo (AKA the Angel). Soon they were both busy raising their three sons on nineteenth street in West End. Along with nurturing her family she attended the Ida V. Moffit School of Nursing and upon graduation began her career at West End Baptist (Princeton) hospital. Norma became the industrial nurse for Chicago Bridge and Iron until her retirement in the early 1990's. She spent the next 15 years helping raise her grandchildren and all of their friends that loved to visit her home for the special after school treats that were homemade by her loving hands. After Leo died in 2008 she immersed herself in the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) activities with a special interest in the Rebecca Group. Norma was truly loved by all that crossed her path and will be missed as the bright light that led our family. Friday December 9 you are invited to visitation at 10:00am with a service at 11:00am, both at First Christian Church 4954 Valleydale Road. Graveside service at 12:30 PM at Elmwood Cemetery. There will not be a funeral procession or police escort to the cemetery. Family and friends are asked to meet in the front parking lot of Johns Ridout's Elmwood Chapel located at 800 Dennison Ave. SW Birmingham, AL. 35211 between 12:15 PM and 12:30 PM and we will process together to the gravesite.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Nicholson family.
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