Nehemiah "Miah" Lavon Nickels

Nehemiah was born on August 6,1973 in Peoria, IL., to Albert J. Nickels and Almelia (Pendleton) Nickels. He married Cherryse L. Richard in Peoria, IL., whom was the love of his life for over 30 years.

Nehemiah attended Illinois Central College prior to successfully completing a five year IBEW & NECA apprenticeship. He received an Electrician Journeyman Wireman certificate and was a proud member of the IBEW Local 34. He most recently worked as an electrician for Oberlander Electric Company in Peoria, IL.

Nehemiah accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church. His mother, Almelia, raised him in church & gave him a strong foundation of faith. Nehemiah has five children whom he cherished, and instilled in them good moral values, the importance of faith and emphasized having a strong relationship with Christ. His personality brightened any room he entered, his laughter was contagious, his playfulness was overbearing, as well as his generosity & selflessness being unmatched. He was a mentor to his family & was a supportive father figure to those he loved. In addition to his strong family values, Nehemiah loved sports. He bowled in the TNBA Leagues & took great joy in coaching his youngest children's basketball teams & his grandsons football teams. And, if you know you know......BEAR DOWN!!!

Nehemiah leaves to cherish his most precious memories: his wife, Cherryse, his mother, Almelia, five children, KeAna, Maiya, Anajeon, Amorah and Noah; Grandchildren, Khiden, Anthony (Bennie), and Anajeon, Jr.; two siblings, Chris (Sonja) and William (Clorissa); honorary siblings, Reggie Brown, Melisande (Mel) Brown Peterson; Godmother, Verdie Finney and Godsister, Vonnie Adell; mother-in-law, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Nickels, grandparents, niece Christian Nickels and his father-in-law Earl L. Richard.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to CEFCU for Noah Nickels and Amorah Nickels.

Visitations:

-Friday, August 16, 2024, 5pm - 7pm at Davison-Fulton, 2021 N University St, Peoria, IL 61604.

-Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 10:00 am, one hour before service at St. Paul Baptist Church.

Home going Service: Saturday August 17, 2024 at 11:00 am St. Paul Baptist Church 114 West Forrest Hill Ave, Peoria, IL 61604.

Repast (TBD)

There will be an open mic for moments of reflections at the repast.