Anita Ray Nichols

It’s with heavy hearts that the Nichols family announces the passing of Anita Ray Nichols of Jacksonville, Florida. Anita the daughter of John Bowles and Joyce Burgess was born January 9, 1944 in Merced, California.

Married June 16,1995 to her beloved husband Frank L. Nichols, Anita was a caregiver and homemaker by profession. She enjoyed baking and could be found serving fresh cinnamon rolls to anyone and everyone she could. Anita loved to sing and sang in the church choir and never found a puzzle she didn’t enjoy putting together. She was an active member of the various Baptist congregations the Nichols family were a part of over the years. Her spirituality was her guiding light which led her on the journey of life always offering a kind smile and open heart to those she met. Those who knew her best would say that she never met a stranger, with her sunny and outgoing demeanor and had a knack for seeing the best in those around her and loved those she cared about very deeply.

She was 79 year old at her time of passing and is survived by her husband Frank Nichols; daughters Annie Mancha, Linda Fish, Mariah Harrington, Brittany Nichols, Barbra Poteat, Ashley Nichols, Kristiana Nichols; sons Mark Skinner, Michael Skinner, David Skinner, Tyler Nichols, Cody Nichols, Nathaniel Nichols, Richard Nichols; and sisters Judy Richter, Cyndi Parriera, and Karen Mullins. Anita is also survived by 39 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren, and 9 great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father Joyce Burgess and John Bowles along with her sisters Madeline Miller, Bonnie Denton, and Debbie Elder; and one son Frank Nichols, Jr.

A receiving of friends for Anita will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Jacksonville Heights Baptist Church, 6730 Ricker Road, Jacksonville, FL 32244, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Nichols family.