Janet Lee Parker Nichols

Janet Lee Parker Nichols, friend, sister, wife and auntie, passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family in Austin on February 23, 2022 after fighting a brief battle with cancer. Born January 15, 1951 to John David and Geneva Parker, she joins her parents and grandparents with their Heavenly Father.

Formative years found Janet, along with her six siblings known as PK, aka preacher’s kids, growing up on the east coast before striking out to Texas for higher education. Fortunate in life to find her passion early, Janet’s passion was to teach, equipping herself with undergrad and graduate degrees from Abilene Christian University, to teach in public education, particularly special education. Her 49-year teaching career began with Abilene State School, followed by Stamford Elementary. Moving to Austin in the 1980’s, she taught at Popham with Del Valley ISD, then Austin ISD at Ridgetop Elementary. Janet joined the staff at opening of Willie Kocurek Elementary in 1986. She made many lasting friendships with fellow teachers and students. The lively camaraderie in the years teaching at Kocurek was something she took joy and pride in. Her biggest joy was seeing her students’ growth, she would tell you.

Through mutual friends, Janet met the love of her life, Michael Nichols, in 1982, he an art instructor in Austin. With marriage in 2000, their joyful life began amidst surroundings peppered with his portrait and wildlife pieces alongside the ever-present school student papers, student art, and carnival projects.

The family remembers her tenacity, her big heart, her love of children, and stubbornness. Also remembering her overseeing the care of our mother in her later years. Her life was one well-lived.

Her loving memory is shared by husband Michael, daughter Sarah Wariner (Jeremy), and sisters Teri Chavira (Terry Manley), Darla McDonnell (Rex), Jackie Davis (Kent), Becky Omdahl (Jon) and by brothers David Parker (Kathy) and Tom Parker (Sandra). Janet took great joy in the many nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews in Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Georgia. The family thanks caregivers and the Westover Church of Christ for their spiritual support, where she and Mike shared their faith.

For those so inclined, Kocurek Elementary maintains a fund for school projects in lieu of flowers.

Those wishing to share memories may visit the website of Cook Walden Funeral Home(www.cookwaldenforestoaks.com), where a livestream access button will be available for remote viewing of services.