Carolyn Patricia Pennock Nicks

Carolyn Patricia Pennock Nicks was born on August 13, 1940, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, into a family of British emigres, farmers, and homesteaders. At 13, she moved with her family to Denver, Colorado, where her parents built a new life through hard work and resilience.

A lifelong member of the Church of Christ, Carolyn attended Abilene Christian College in Texas, where she earned a degree in Childhood Education. There, she met and married John D. Nicks, Jr., beginning a loving partnership rooted in faith, family, and adventure. Together, they raised three sons—John David, Steven, and Michael—while John pursued a PhD and a career as a university professor and administrator.

In Malibu, Carolyn worked as a travel agent before earning two master’s degrees in her 40s and becoming a student counselor at Pepperdine University, a role she cherished for 14 years. Known for her intellect and adventurous spirit, Carolyn explored the world with her husband and later with friends, visiting places like Alaska, Antarctica, Africa, and the Holy Land.

Carolyn faced life’s challenges with grace, including a breast cancer diagnosis, the loss of her mother, and the passing of her beloved husband in 1999. Through it all, her deep faith remained her guiding light. As she recently reflected, “God loved everything into existence, and I will return to that eternal love when I die.”

Carolyn passed away on November 21, 2024, after a courageous battle with respiratory illness. She is survived by her sister, Aynsley Fritts; brother, Dave Pennock; her sons and their spouses, John David and Zar, Steven and Fred, and Michael and Suzie; three grandchildren, Charlotte, Jack, and Will; and countless friends who cherished her kindness and generosity.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 29, at 10:00 a.m. at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, followed by a graveside service at 11:00 a.m.

Carolyn’s life was a testament to love, faith, and compassion. Her memory will be a blessing to all who knew her.