Leona H. Nichols peacefully passed away Tuesday morning, December 13, 2011 surrounded by family in Southampton Memorial Hospital, Franklin Virginia.

Leona Hattie Myrl also known as: Big Momma, Biggie, Mammy, Grand Mammy, Aunt Lee, Lee Nick, Little Sister, Cousin Leona, True Mother, and Miss Nichols, was born to Richard N. and Mary Y. Nichols on March 12, 1927 in Southampton County, Virginia. She graduated from Southampton County Training School, Courtland, Virginia and Virginia State University where she received her B.S. degree in Home Economics. Her teaching career included home economics in Amelia County; upon returning to Southampton County she taught elementary education and finally returned to her first love Home Economics – middle, high school and adult education classes.

Leona was a loving, caring daughter, sister, aunt, godmother and friend. Although she had no children she was a mother figure to her nieces, nephews, cousins and students. She was an outspoken, God-fearing woman. She took pride and love in helping family, church family and friends.

At an early age she joined St. Luke United Church of Christ and worked faithfully until her death. She ushered as a youth, was a youth advisor, she was the vice president of the Women’s Fellowship (Missionary); member of Western Virginia Sunday School Union and a member of the scholarship committee.

As a teacher her activities included FHA and other related organizations. She was president of Les Amies Women’s Club, a member of Ebenezer Senior Citizens, Zion Hill Order of Tents, NC, President of United Family Organization and R & M Nichols Realty Association.

Leona was pre-deceased by two brothers, Richard, Jr., and Linwood Nichols, Two sisters, Ruth Nichols and Ella N. Ricks.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory Faye Nichols, Sedley, VA Marya F. Ricks, Laurel, MD., Belinda Everett, Courtland, VA, Two sisters, Ida T. Smith – Chesapeake, VA, Pecola Councill, Franklin, VA., Two God Sons,Thraun H.Councill (Jackie), Upper Marlboro, MD and Aubrey Everett, Jr.(Apryl), Wilmington, DE

All Loved Children of the family: Cassandra Vaughan, Richmond, VA, Yvonne Wiggins (Tony) Chesapeake, VA, Edward Smith, Jr., Portsmouth, VA, Hallice Evans (John) Va. Beach, VA, Andre’ Smith, Norfolk, VA, Thomas Councill, Jr. (Elizabeth) Franklin, VA, Tessa Blow (George) Franklin, VA, Mary Nichols, Ivor, VA, Flossie B. Brown, Sedley, VA, Beloved Grandchildren and beloved Great Grandchildren All other adopted family especially Asa, Julian and Ashley.A host of cousins, church family and friends.