Dorothy Peaco Nichols

Dottie was born on January 4, 1941, in Richmond, Virginia to Lilian and Edward Peaco. She lived in Williamsburg since 1967. She was predeceased by her beloved soul mate, best friend, boating companion, and husband of fifty-six years Sterling. She is survived by her son Brad Nichols of Virginia Beach, daughter Jennifer Wise and her husband Scott of Williamsburg, granddaughter Brittany Roe, her husband Dalton, and great grandsons Clark and Parker of Merritt Island, Florida, granddaughter Madison Wise and her husband Cole Jones of Williamsburg, brother-in-law Gerald Nichols and his wife Donna of Hopewell, Virginia, niece Nancy Trickey, her husband Ryan, and their children Matthew, Caroline, and Sarah of Vail, Arizona, and niece Courtney Taylor, her husband Chad, and their children Charlotte and Chelsea of Suffolk, Virginia. Dottie grew up in Richmond, Virginia and went on to graduate from Lynchburg College. She and Sterling were active members of the Williamsburg community for many years supporting the Hospice House of Williamsburg, the James River Association, the Raleigh Tavern Society, Dream Catchers, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, and others. In the early 1970’s, Dottie and Sterling realized the dream of owning a home by building a house in the Kingspoint subdivision of Williamsburg. They did most of the work themselves. Most notably, Dottie installed all of the cedar shake roofing on the house herself becoming known to many as “The Lady on the Roof”. Dottie and Sterling were owners of several construction and real estate companies. She was a tireless hard worker for these companies for many years. Her contributions included every aspect of these businesses ranging from working long hours on the construction sites to handling accounting and other administrative duties. The success of these businesses is largely attributable to Dottie. Her greatest contribution to the businesses was her unwavering and unconditional support of Sterling as he entered into various speculative real estate ventures. Sterling drew the strength and confidence to take businesses risks with the knowledge that Dottie would always be by his side no matter what. Dottie always enjoyed the company of family and friends. She loved to entertain, opening her home with hospitality and generosity. Her kindness, warmhearted good nature, and thoughtful consideration of others brought joy to everyone that met her. Dottie also enjoyed boating with family and friends. She joyfully served as First Mate to her beloved Captain and husband Sterling. Many people have cherished memories of times spent on their boat. Dottie was quite a thrill seeker. She always liked to take on new adventures. Some of those adventures included sky diving, riding roller coasters, and riding mechanical bulls. She also enjoyed traveling, dancing, gardening, sewing, skiing, and scuba diving. Dottie was best known for her selflessness, always putting the best interests of others over her own. This was never more apparent than when she hosted the holidays for her family. She was a perfectionist in everything she did, paying particular attention to even the smallest details. Many family members hold dear memories of her holiday decorations, artfully wrapped gifts, home cooked meals, and especially her beloved Christmas trees. The times spent as a family enjoying the holidays hosted by Dottie are a major reason that the bonds among her family remain strong and enduring. Dottie’s greatest joy was the love and unity of her family. She was happiest when surrounded by her family. She was loved dearly by all of her family. A celebration of Dottie’s life will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 on Monday, November 25, 2024, in the James River Grand Ballroom at the Kingsmill Resort located at 1010 Kingsmill Road in Williamsburg. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Sterling Nichols Fund of the Hospice House of Williamsburg at williamsburghospice.org. Online condolences may be shared at nelsenwilliamsburg.com.