Barbara Faye Butler Nickens

Barbara Faye Butler Nickens stepped into heaven on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at her home in Galvez, Louisiana after walking this Earth for 88 years. Barbara was born in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana. She moved with her family to Baton Rouge at a young age, and later they settled in Baker, Louisiana.

Being the eldest child and only girl, Barbara naturally became a great help to her family. At the age of 16, “BarFay” met, fell in love, and married Cecil Nickens. Barbara finished her last year of high school after she married Cecil and graduated salutatorian. After her graduation, Barbara and Cecil were blessed with their first child, Gwendolyn (Gwen). A few short years later, they had another daughter, Brenda, and less than a year later had their third daughter, Karen. Seventeen months later, they welcomed their son, Don to the mix.

Barbara enjoyed her role as homemaker, mother, and wife for many years. Once her children were grown, she earned an Accounting Clerk degree at Ascension Vocational-Technical School where she graduated in August 1989, at the top of her class. Later that same year, she was awarded a certificate of participation from Blue Cross Blue Shield for completing courses in contracts, data sheets, and terminal usage. Barbara's love of learning pushed her to earn her real estate license and excel in several other ventures throughout her life such as working at H&R Block, being a Voting Poll Worker, serving as a board member for “Arc of East Ascension”, and as a proof-reader for Jimmy Swaggart Ministries.

Barbara is survived by her four children Gwen Nickens (Melva “Sonny”) McLaurin, Brenda Faye Nickens, Karen Nickens Roberts, Don Allen Nickens, one brother, Kenneth (Brenda) Butler, three grandchildren Tisha (Matt) Svoboda, Bryan (Maria) McLaurin, Michelle (Jennifer) Stephens, seven great grandchildren Lydia, Madeline, Robert, Celest, James, Jackie, Jessie, two great-great grandchildren, James and Thomas; and grand daughter-in-law, Kim Roberts.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, L.J. and Evelyn Butler, her husband, Cecil Nickens, three brothers, Glenn, Jack, and DeWayne Butler, a son-in-law, Darrell Roberts, a grandson, Aaron Roberts, and many brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Barbara's celebration of a life well lived will be at Ourso Funeral Home in Gonzales, Louisiana on Monday, June 22, 2026. Visitation will begin at 9 am with the funeral service at 11 am. Interment will follow at Carpenter's Chapel Cemetery in Galvez, Louisiana.

Pallbearers are Glenn Butler, DeWayne (Chip) Butler, Lance Butler, Tom McGuire, Calvin Smith, and Alan Smith.