Della Ann Nichols

Della Ann Young Nichols was born on January 25, 1932, in North Carolina to Nell and Don Young. A true Southern lady, she grew up with a strong faith, love of family, and a gift for friendship. At just 5’2”, she captained the girls’ basketball team at Mayfield High School, proving that spirit mattered more than height.

Among the early women to attend Texas A&M University, Della met the love of her life, Alfred Bailey Nichols (Al). They married August 8, 1952, while Al served in the U.S. Army. Together they raised four children—Carrie Ann, Nick, Sally, and Peggy—teaching them faith, respect, hard work, and the joy of life.

Al's career with Gulf Oil took the family from South Texas to South Louisiana and Angola, Africa. Always beautifully dressed and put together, Della was a gracious Southern lady, wonderful cook, and delightful party hostess. Affectionately called a 'social butterfly,' she never met a stranger. Her home was filled with family, friends, good food, and laughter.

Faith was the foundation of Della’s life. For more than 40 years, she was a devoted member and beloved pillar of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in College Station, where she participated in Bible studies, served on the prayer team, taught Sunday school alongside Al, and lovingly prepared meals for those in need. She was also an active member of The Gideons International Auxiliary for over 40 years and rarely missed an opportunity to share her faith by handing out New Testaments. Through Aldersgate, Della

participated in mission trips to Trinidad, Tobago, and Papua New Guinea, where she celebrated the publication of the New Testament in the native Gapipiwen language. Sharing God’s Word and serving others were among her greatest joys.

During their retirement years, Della and Al enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the United States and around the world, visiting Europe, Africa, Australia, the Holy Land, and many other destinations. They also enjoyed all things Aggie. A fiercely loyal Texas A&M fan, Della attended countless football, baseball, and basketball games, enthusiastically cheering on her beloved Aggies.

Della treasured her many lifelong friendships, including her involvement with Beta Sigma Phi sorority, of which she had been a devoted member since 1967. Wherever life took her, her sorority sisters provided an immediate sense of belonging, helping her form lasting friendships in each new community. Her outgoing personality and genuine interest in others made her a friend to everyone she met.

Della loved her family. She and Al created a home filled with faith, laughter, and love. She took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and the traditions and memories she created will be cherished for generations.

Della was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alfred Bailey Nichols, who passed away on June 29, 2014, after nearly 62 years of marriage.

Della is survived by her four children: Carrie Ann Nichols; Alfred B. Nichols Jr. (Nick); Sally Richard and her husband, Butch; and Peggy Morrison and her husband, Larry. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Britt Nichols; Daniel Nichols and his wife, Penny; Trey Richard; Kelly Cowan and her husband, Jason; Tyler Morrison; Justin Morrison; and Nicholas Morrison. Her great-grandchildren are Bradley Nichols, Cosette Nichols, Ava Nichols, Gabriel Nichols, Adrian Cowan, Wesley Cowan, and Levi Richard.

Services will be held at Memorial Funeral Chapel, 2901 Texas Avenue South, College Station, Texas, on Monday, November 9, 2026. Visitation and a reception will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 2762, College Station, TX 77841. Donations may also be made online at The Gideons International donation page.