Frances V Nichols

Frances Virginia Martin Nichols, 95, completed her final step in her journey on January 1, 2021. She was born January 13, 1925 in Arkansas; the third daughter of Hudson and Molissa Vallence Martin. She married James W. Nichols and raised six children, two daughters and four sons.

Coming to Rockford to find work after WWII, while working and raising six children, she was a pioneer in the field of women ministry. Doing evangical work initially, she became pastor of Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ on Fourth Street, and the first woman minister in the Rockford Jail Ministry. After her husband’s retirement, they moved to Corning Arkansas, operating the Best Flower Shop. Moving to Cherokee Retirement Community in Cherokee Village, Arkansas, they returned to Rockford to live in the Christian Life Retirement Community where she enjoyed the friendship and fellowship of staff and residents.

A strong woman, she will be remembered for her faith, her care of family and friends, her ministry and encouragement of others, her songs of faith, her love of Christian fiction reading and writing, church plays and fellowship, crocheting, quilting and numerous paintings (started later in life, proving she was never too old to learn.)

Frances Virginia was predeceased by her husband Jimmy, and three sons: James H. “Nick” Nichols of Denver, Philip G. Nichols of Rockford, Kirby H. Nichols of OK; her parents, three sisters, Alleen (Ruel) Harpole of AR, Nellie (James) Harpole of AR, Mable (Floyd) Vines, (Bruce) George, and brother, Rev. John (Naomi) Martin.

She is survived by her children, Carolyn Kuchar of Machensey Park, Noel Nichols of Pecatonica, and Rita (Bill) Decker of Ravenden Springs, AR, eight grandchildren, Joshua (Shannon) Nichols of Amboy, Melody Morgans of Denver, CO, Ambrey (Drea) Nichols-Puyear of Littleton, CO, Kym Nichols of San Diego, CA, Johnathan (Jaime) Morgans of Moberly, MO, Gabriel (Stephanie) Morgans of Moberly, MO, Jennifer Kuchar (Andrew Holland of Fulton, KY, Major Tosha Nichols of Fort Campbell, KY, fourteen great-grandchildren; her brother, Rev. Earl Martin of Hot Springs, AR and her sister, Margaret Marie (Eugene) McComas of Ash Flat, AR, numerous nieces, nephews, and their families; caregiver Mary Schumaker, many friends and her brothers and sisters in Christ.

A private graveside service will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Please take a moment, with the loved one around you, to remember the way she touched your life and whisper pray of thanksgiving for the blessing her life brought. Our loss; heaven’s gain. To share a condolence, please visit www.Sunsetfhmemgardens.com.