Ms. Gloria Newman Newman Nichols

NICHOLS, Gloria Frances Newman, June 18, 1933-May 24, 2014. Born in Brewster, FL to the late James Edward and Justine Elizabeth Newman, she was a third generation of a pioneering FL family. Mrs. Nichols moved to Bartow in 1949. She graduated from Summerlin Institute (Bartow Senior High School) in the class of 1951. She completed the Lakeland School of Business before marrying the late James T. Nichols Sr. Together for 33 years, they raised two children, Sallyanne Luedi of Lakeland, FL and James T. Nichols Jr. of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Later Mrs. Nichols met Ronald L. Mulliken and they spent 22 years together forming a lasting love. Together they traveled the world, including 5 of the 7 continents. A member of the First Presbyterian Church, she joined at the age of 16 after moving to Bartow, and remained loyal to the Lord by serving as a Ruling Elder, President of the Woman of the Church, Pulpit Committee and her Beloved Choir. Mrs. Nichols spent 25 years with Sun State Homes and Highland Homes before retiring, where she excelled as a realtor. During that time, she earned numerous awards including, multiple times as Sales Person of the Year, Sales Person of the Month and lifetime membership in the Lakeland Board of Realtors Million Dollar Roundtable. Above all, Mrs. Nichols was a devoted mother to her children offering love, compassion, empathy and understanding, traits in which they carry on as a legacy to her. Mrs. Nichols was a voracious reader, especially enjoying American Literature, History and Poetry. Her love and outgoing personality will be remembered by so many. She will be missed, but will live on in all of our hearts forever. Survivors include her daughter Sallyanne Luedi of Lakeland, FL, son, James T. Nichols Jr. (Mark Wattam) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, long time companion, Ronald L. Mulliken of Lutz, FL and his children; Ronald Mulliken Jr. (Suzanne), Nancy Palmer (Robert), John Mulliken (Michelle), Chris Mulliken (Grace) and their children, and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 7, 2014 from the First Presbyterian Church, 355 S. Florida Ave., Bartow, FL 33830, with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Gloria Nichols Memorial Scholarship for the Arts and Humanities at 8081 NW 15th. Manor, Plantation, FL 33322, or by calling 954-870-5740. Condolences may be shared with Mrs. Nichols’s family by visiting www.blountcurrycarrollwood.com. All arrangements are under the direction of Blount & Curry Funeral Home Carrollwood Chapel, 3207 West Bearss Avenue, Tampa, FL 33618.