Dorothy Nicholson

On June 2, 2012, Dorothy Jo Nicholson passed away after a lengthy illness. Born Dorothy Jo Bowman on December 10, 1930, she grew up in DeKalb County, graduating from Deport High School in 1948. She later met and married her lifelong sweetheart, Willard Olen Nicholson, on December 23, 1950. They had been married 42 years when Mr. Nicholson passed away in 1992. Together they raised a family that consisted of four children: sons Wayne and his wife, Katie, of Marshall; Danny and his wife, Cindy, of Longview; Tommy and his wife, DeAnne, of Henderson; and daughter Debbie Bowen and her husband, Chris, of White Oak.

She enjoyed watching her children participate in various sports and school activities. However, one of her greatest pleasures came when those four children married and started their own families. Known lovingly as, "MaMaw", she was never happier than when her house was full of children: swimming in the pool, shooting baskets or making tents in the game room. And, of course, there was always something good to eat.

She was blessed with 12 grandchildren: Natalie Nicholson Emery and husband, Wade; Nathan Nicholson; TJ Nicholson and wife, Amanda; Christopher Nicholson and wife, Mindy; Ryan Nicholson and wife, Holly; Lyle Nicholson; Andrew Nicholson; Matt Bowen; Derek Bowen; Mary Amanda Nicholson; Haley Bowen; and Mason Nicholson. As those grandchildren have gotten married, they too have blessed her with great-grandchildren: Isabella Emery; Eli Emery; Brennan Nicholson; Kamryn Nicholson; Jace Nicholson; Ian Emery; Colten Nicholson and one more baby boy due in July! What a legacy she leaves!

She was a true matriarch of the family. Dorothy and Willard taught their children good values and a good work ethic but, most importantly, to love and honor the Lord. She was a long time, active member of Mobberly Baptist Church where she participated in the Prime Time Bunch Sunday School Class nd Senior Adult Ministries. She also taught Sunday School.

For 15 years, Dorothy was by Willard's side managing Sherwin Williams Paint Stores in Shreveport, Marshall and Longview, and later helped him establish Nicholson Paint and Wallcovering in Longview. In addition, she worked in the Linens Department at Dillard's for 15 years, retiring in 2002. If you needed colors matched - she was the lady to do it!

She is loved and cherished not only by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, but also by a host of longtime friends that she shared many laughs with at 42 parties, Sunday School parties, etc. Her sweet and loving spirit will be missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard Nicholson; her parents, Pete and Ola Bowman; and two sisters, Mary Clark and Edith Wright. She is survived by one sister, Louise Dawson and her husband, Alvin; brother-in-laws Lloyd Clark and wife, Fay; and William Wright, along with many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Lakeview Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, June 4 from 10-11 a.m. with the funeral service immediately following visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to the Moberly Baptis Church Building Fund.