Ethel “Jessie” Mae Nichols, 95, of Coldwater, Michigan passed away peacefully in her sleep Thursday, February 11, 2021 at Oaklawn Hospital.
Jessie was born August 30, 1925 to Mirle and Myrtle (Connor) James in Pulaskie, Michigan. She was one of five children in the James family. She was married to Richard Nichols on February 25, 1944.
She was co-owner of the Texaco Station on the corner of State and Marshall for several years with Richard. She was also the bookkeeper for the Station along with being a homemaker. She worked at Shaw’s Shoe Factory for 3 years.
She enjoyed motorcycling and stock car racing and bowling. She was very competitive and put 100% effort in everything she did. She was a Champion Powder Puff Race Car Driver. She was an avid bowler and most times her team would win the Bowling Tournaments around the USA.
She enjoyed horseback riding, camping, antique car shows and visiting the casino. She was passionate about volunteering for Big Sisters Program and Humane Society. She also enjoyed spending time at her office AKA The Commercial Bar. She loved spending time with her family and friends. No one was a stranger and she made new friends every she went.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her son James W Brown-Nichols, her sisters Violet Chatfield and Helen Thomas, her brothers Pete James and Leonard James, her son-n-law James Edward Rhoades and her half sister Judy Baldwin.
Jessie is survived by her sons Skip (Deb) Nichols, Spike Nichols and one daughter Della (Leonard) Cooper, Grandchildren Robin Shellenberger, Rhonda Scheidler, Rochelle (Mike) Shepard, Kimberly (Jeremy) David, Richie Nichols, Lee (Val) Nichols, Scott (Michelle) Nichols, Ashley Nichols, Michael Nichols, Matthew Brown, James (Michelle) Brown, alone with 11 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter Olivia Grace Shellenberger, along with many nieces and nephews. She leaves behind her loyal cat Gabbie and her faithful dogs Molly and Sam.
A Public Memorial will be in Coldwater at the Moose Lodge, 117 East Chicago Road, Coldwater, MI on Saturday, February 20, 2021 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. We will be sharing the eulogy at 2:00pm.
Memorial contributions can be directed to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.
The family is being assisted by Lighthouse Funeral and Cremation.
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