Judith Sue Nichols

Judith Sue Nichols was born in Hanford, California on August 3, 1943 and passed away in Hanford on April 30, 2017. Judy was born into the large extended Todd and Goforth families. Her parents were Merle and Avis (Goforth) Todd. Judy was raised and attended schools in Hanford graduating from Hanford High School in 1961 and on July 29, 1961 she married Edward E. Nichols. Judy and Ed were married for 55 years at the time of her passing.

Judy was a very creative person and had a keen eye for design. She created wonderfully amazing things, whether designing a floral arrangement or preparing a dinner. She was a professional florist, owning her own floral shop, Wells Florist, in Selma, California for 32 years before retiring in December 2015. Judy enjoyed a loyal customer base, made many friends over the years, and took great pride in her customer service skills. When you ordered flowers from Judy, you received the freshest, most beautiful arrangement possible. Her eye for color and style was second to none. She also spent many years enjoying and honing her skills as an oil painter. Judy won many awards over the years both in floral arranging competitions, as well as awards for her oil paintings.

It was always Judy’s honor to prepare and provide the wedding flowers for every bride in her family. Their special day was made even more special knowing that their Mom/Aunt Judy/Granny would design and deliver the most beautiful pieces to be imagined by the numerous brides.

Judy is survived by her husband, Edward E. Nichols of Hanford, daughter Kimberly Nelson (Dennis) of Visalia, son Edward E. “Chip” Nichols, Jr. of Hanford; mother Avis Todd of Hanford, and sister Janet Byrn (Len) of Hanford. She was also blessed with 6 grandchildren as well as 13 great grandchildren. Grandchildren include Carolee Mervin (Geoff) of Visalia, Courtney Shelton (Buddy) of Visalia, Colby Nichols (Emily) of Hanford, JoAnna Allen (Jason) of New Mexico, Jillian Thomas (Tony) of Riverdale, Justine Nichols (Justin) of Hanford. Great grandchildren include Madycen Mervin, Kaydence Cooper, James Shelton, Baby Shelton, D.J. Stockton, Owen Stockton, Frankie Thomas, Baby Thomas, Marilyn Nichols, Colby Nichols, Jr., Kendra Nichols, Preston Medeiros, and Justin Bryant.

She is also survived by 3 nieces Debbie Robinson of Hanford, Erin Pfeiffer (Travis) of Lemoore, and Amanda Byrn of Portland, Oregon.

Judy enjoyed and loved her large family and every person in her family knew they were loved by her, and they loved her equally in return. She will be forever missed.

The family wishes to thank Adventist Health Hospice and staff for their wonderful care of mom and the entire family during this time.

Family and friends are invited to view Judith’s legacy, please visit www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com and write condolences.