Ransford D. Nicholson

He was the youngest of nine children born to William and Rosamond Nicholson. In 1966 he married Iris Maloney Muhammad, and together they served as pastor and wife in Mennonite churches across the island of Jamaica.

In 1980, Ransford immigrated to the United States with his family. Years prior to this move, when Ransford was a young man, he worked as a migrant worker in Sarasota and came to know the Lord through the efforts of several Mennonite believers. Due to that earlier experience, he settled in Sarasota in January of 1982.

Ransford was a member of Bayshore Mennonite Church and was known for his great love for all kinds of people, his jokes, and his kindness.

He is preceded in death by his lovely wife, Iris, and is survived by his two children, Meredith (Nicholas) Nicholson (Donna)and Myrna Stoltzfus (Todd). Also surviving are his grandchildren Brandon, Elliot (Ella), Ethan (Faith), Emerald, Esther (Trenton), Edison, Kali and great-granddaughter Ramona.

Ransford was also preceded in death by his siblings Leon, Winston, Colin, Genevieve, Boswell, and Lascelles. Siblings Astley and Phyllis survive him, as well as a bounty of nieces, nephews, and friends who love him dearly.

He lived a life that no one could err in emulating.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Sarasota Community Church on Saturday, September 5, 2026.