Melba Jo Nichols

She was born on January 3, 1938, in Pickens, SC, to the late Laura and Norman Childs.

Melba was a devoted NASCAR fan, especially of her favorite driver Jeff Gordon. As a lifelong cat lover, she never met a cat she didn’t want to live with her. Melba also had a deep passion for Clemson football. She frequently stayed up watching games and enjoyed discussing the team's performance with her family the next day.

Before her health declined, Melba was known for her green thumb—particularly when it came to growing and canning her delicious green beans. Her canned green beans were so loved that family members often asked for them as Christmas gifts.

Melba cherished time at the beach with her family, with many of their fondest memories made together in Myrtle Beach. Above all, Melba loved her family deeply. One simple but sweet memory her family recalls is how she would always share the story of how she and her beloved husband met and fell in love at Sangamo Electric where they both worked together.

Melba is survived by her loving husband, Harold Nichols, of 65 years; daughter Janet Tedford (Joey); grandchildren Chris Byers (Kim), Starla Reid (Tony), and Nicole Tedford (Cassie); great-grandchildren Dalton Byers and Chase Byers.

In addition to her parents, Melba was preceded in death by her sister Brenda Bryant.

A visitation for Melba will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Dillard Funeral Home, 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens, SC 29671. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in Dillard’s Chapel.

The committal service will take place afterward at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 2410 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens, SC 29671.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Melba’s beloved lifelong church, Griffin Baptist Church. Contributions by check or cash can be mailed to:

Griffin Baptist Church

1629 Pumpkintown Highway

Pickens, SC 29671

Please include the note: "In memory or honor of Melba Jo Nichols."