John Melvin Nichols, Sr

Weep Not For Me

Weep not for me

Weep not for me though I am gone Into the gentle night

Grieve if you will, but not for long

Upon my soul, sweet flight.

I am at peace, my soul is at rest There is no need for tears. For with my love I was so blessed There is no pain, I suffer not, The fear now is gone. Put those things out of your thoughts, In my memory I love on.

Remember not my fight for breath

Remember not the strife

Please do not dwell upon my death BUT CELEBRATE MY LIFE!!!

~ Acknowledgements ~

The Nichols Family would like to express our sincere gratitude for your thoughtfulness during the passing of our loved one. Thank you for your prayers, words of comfort, visits, food, phone calls, and donations. We would also like to Thank Dr. Christopher Green and staff (the Green Clinic), the staff(s) of the Memphis Veterans Administrative Hospital, Baptist Desoto Ms., and Memphis Baptist East ICU and Hospice care units for exceptional care during his time of need. Nate Dennis, we also want to express our gratitude to you for the role you played in helping the family. Special Thanks to the Olivet Fellowship Baptist Church Family for your care and guidance in making this transition easier to bear, and for that we are Grateful.

The Family

~ Active Pallbearers ~ Nicholas Clark Anthony Clark

Reginald Brown Stanley Gunn

Greg Watson Marron Hopkins

~ Reception ~ Tuesday, June 8, 2023 • 12:00 Noon - 1:30 P.M. Olivet Fellowship Baptist Church Fellowship Hall

~ Military Honors & Committal Rites ~ Thursday, June 8, 2023 • 2:00 P.M. West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road Memphis, Tennessee 38125

Life’s Reflections

The Journey of John Melvin Nichols Sr. began on January 30, 1930. He was born to the late Samuel Nichols and Selena George in Camden, Mississippi. John was the oldest of two siblings (James ) who preceded him in death. He accepted Christ early and kept God at his core throughout his life. John was educated in the Mississippi School system attending Stone Street High School, which included Vocational and some College courses. “Nick,” as he was fondly referred to, was an astute learner with a natural talent that facilitated his being able to Master his love of Painting, Carpentry, and Woodwork. These skills and his passion allowed him the opportunity to work in various leadership roles, which included Proudly serving his country in the Korean War and retiring after 35 years in the Army Reserve as Command Sergeant Major in the 467 Combat Engineers Battalion, Manager in Retail (Sears Roebuck ) and most endearing his role as Property Manager for Olivet Baptist Church.

John and Iola Brown married on January 28, 1954, and to this union, four children were born: Jacquelyn, John Jr, Angela (who preceded him in death), and Sandra.

“Nick” believed in Family, Service, and Community. He also enjoyed Cooking (and could make the BEST Homemade Ice Cream using the Hand turned freezer with rock salt), Traveling with his Military and Church family, and Reading (his favorite source was the Commercial Appeal). Talents that were passed on to his children.

“Nick” leaves to cherish his memories: His devoted wife “Ola” of 69 years, “Jackie” (Rickey) Clark, “Nick Jr” and “San.” Three Grandchildren, Nicholas and Anthony Clark, and April (Peter) Ward, and he was Blessed to be able to meet the Newest generation, his Great -grandson Lucas Ward. His brother and sisters by marriage Juanita Porter (Illinois), John Brown (Ohio) and Bertha Alexander (Mississippi). The Family Clans of Tabor, Brown, and Nichols includes a host of Brothers, Sisters, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, and Friends.

Order of Celebration

Thursday, June 8, 2023

11:00 A.M.

Olivet Fellowship Baptist Church

4450 Knight Arnold Road Memphis, Tennessee 38118

Dr. Zedric Clayton, Senior Pastor

Processional

Scripture Reading

New & Old Testament.................................................OFBC Minister

Prayer.......................................................................Reverend John E. Brown

Song of Praise............................................................................OFBC Choir

Expressions of Love

(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)

Members of the 467 Combat Engineers

Battalion Memphis Southern District

Stanley Gunn

Henry Lee Nichols

Rachel Brown

Song of Praise............................................................................OFBC Choir

Resolution & Acknowledgements................................................OFBC Clerk

Eulogy........................................................................Reverend Rose Conard Recessional

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalms 23:6