Rebecca "Becky" Elaine Nichols

Born in Columbus, Georgia on April 18, 1958, to Lucy Bruner Baxley and James Richards, Becky spent her early childhood in Dothan, Alabama with her mother and stepfather, Bill Baxley. When Becky was 12, the family moved to Montgomery, Alabama. Becky was a graduate of Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery and later attended the University of Alabama where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Becky obtained her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

In college and beyond, Becky worked avidly behind the scenes on her stepfather Bill’s political aspirations–even recruiting her college girlfriends to help with his gubernatorial campaign. When her mother, Lucy, embarked on her own political career, Becky provided countless hours and crucial support to her mother’s successful elections to the offices of Alabama State Treasurer, Lieutenant Governor, and President of the Public Service Commission.

Becky devoted her life to raising her two sons whom she loved unconditionally. Becky’s passion for service and the care of others emulated in every facet of her life. Her nurturing spirit was perfectly suited to the role of mother, grandmother, and aunt, doting on those she loved without restraint. She loved to entertain, was a brilliant cook, and never met a stranger. Becky had an infectious laugh and brought joy and humor to all she encountered. Her selfless benevolence extended far beyond her own household and she held a specific devotion to the care and well being of seniors in her community.

Becky is preceded in death by her mother, Lucy Bruner Baxley, father James Richards, and stepfather, Jim Smith. She is survived by her two sons, Blake and Preston (Brittany); grandchildren, Harper, Julia, Samuel, and Watson; brother, Louis Baxley (Caroline) and their children, Lucy Camille, Elizabeth, and Jackson; stepfather, Bill Baxley (Marie) and their children and grandchildren; the mother of Becky’s grandchildren, Lauren Bennett Nichols; and many close extended family members and friends.

Becky’s family will receive friends at Southern Heritage Funeral Home and Cemetery in Pelham at 10:00 a.m. on June 17th, 2025. A celebration of life will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Reggie Holder officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crisis Center Birmingham in honor of Becky’s unwavering devotion to others.