Joyce Dean Nichols
Our precious mother, Joyce Dean Nichols, also known as Nana, died peacefully on March 19th, 2022 at the age of 83. She calmly passed to her heavenly resting place holding the hands of her three children.
She was born on June 14th, 1938 in Mannsville, Oklahoma. She grew up in several parts of southwest Oklahoma and graduated in Willow from Ocina High School in 1956. At the age of 18, she boarded a bus and moved to Oklahoma City. She lived at the downtown YWCA in dorm style housing and took her first job at the First National Bank. She met her husband, Milton Nichols, at Trinity Baptist Church, they married in 1960 and had three children. In 1973 they built their forever home in Midwest City, Oklahoma where they would raise their children and reside for nearly 50 years.
Joyce’s hobbies and interests in clubs and organizations varied throughout the years, but one of her greatest joys in life was that of being a Nana to her four grandchildren. Their favorite place to be was at their Nana and Papas’ house where they could do no wrong, do whatever they wanted, and where they were showered with genuine love and kindness. Her house could get loud, chaotic, and messy with all the kids, but she didn’t want it any other way…she loved every minute of it. When they got older and able to drive, they were always popping in for dinner, or to watch a football game, or to spend the night just to decompress from college. It was a soft spot for them and that’s exactly what their nana wanted. She adored all four of them and could not have loved them more.
Joyce’s three children, Kellye, Michael, and Kara will always remember their mom treating them with a gentle kindness. She loved them unconditionally and without waver. She taught them how to be patient, understanding, and forgiving by her example. She was selfless with them and made numerous sacrifices choosing their needs and wants over her own. She kept them calm in tough times, always reassuring them “we will work it out, it’s all going to be ok”, while holding them tight. She was loyal and always on their team. She showed compassion and empathy not only to her children, but to everyone. She knew her life was blessed and always wanted to give to those she could. Milton and she created a home that their children would view as their happy place, their sanctuary. It was their home base, and to this day, has always had a strong emotional magnetic pull that is indescribable. She was a woman of faith. It was important to her to raise her children in a loving Christian home where she would very naturally instill in them the importance of attending church, tithing, trusting in the word, and having a personal relationship with God. Her and Milton’s faith was strong, but never forced. It was audibly quiet, yet visibly loud.
Joyce is survived by her loving children; Kellye (Bob) Skalla, Michael F. Nichols, and Kara (Daniel) Budzius. Her Grandchildren; Jayson Skalla, McCall Budzius, Justin Skalla, Mason Budzius. Sisters; T’Kay Koehn and Martha Hutchinson. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Milton Nichols.
A memorial service will be held at First Southern Baptist Church (Discipleship building) located at 6400 S. Sooner Rd. Oklahoma City on Wednesday, April 6th at 10:00am.