Mary Jayne Nickelson, 96, of Van Buren, departed on her journey to be with our Lord on Saturday, January 5, 2019. She passed away at home surrounded by her family. She was born October 3, 1922 in Detroit, Michigan to Fredrick and Edna Wilkins. She was retired from Arkhola Sand and Gravel. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by the love of her life and husband of 72 years, Dick Nickelson, five brothers: Fred, Jim, Don, David and Richard, and twin grandsons, Matthew and Mark Lightfoot.
She was a member of Heritage United Methodist Church. Mary Jayne had a hand in shaping the lives and character of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild through her loving guidance and vast life experiences.
Genealogy was her passion or as her husband would tell you, “she loved digging up the dead.” She also mastered social media in her 80s and loved the interaction with her sister and other family members and friends through Facebook.
She is survived by two daughters, Sherry R. Lightfoot (Buddy Avlos) and Maryl R. Purvis (Robert) of Van Buren; a son, James F. Nickelson (Judy) of Montgomery, TX; a sister, Holly Burke of Indiana; seven grandchildren Troy, Druchele, Adam, Shannon, Autumn, Frank and Laura; 14 great-grandchildren Nick, Josh, Morgan, Collmar, Myra, Tyler, Jordyn, Connor, Austin, Taylor, Braydon, Ashley, Grady and Lyla; and one great-great-grandson, Stone.
Memorial graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Gracelawn Cemetery in Van Buren with Brother Bill Rose officiating. Cremation is under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home in Van Buren.
Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren.
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