Mary Nell Powers Nichols, 72, of Andrews, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016.
A native and lifetime resident of Andrews, she was the daughter of the late Grady V. Powers and Mary Jo Tatham Powers.
Mary Nell was a retired teacher assistant at Andrews Elementary School. She was on staff for 18 years. Mary Nell loved her job and especially loved all her students.
Since retirement, she has been active with the Andrews United Methodist Women’s Group, served faithfully at The Welcome Table, delivered meals with Meals on Wheels, and was an active member and past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Andrews Chapter No. 15. Mary Nell loved Andrews United Methodist Church and had much love and appreciation for the Rev. Mary Brown.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a brother, Frederick M. Powers.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Gene A. “Pete” Nichols of the home; daughter, Kim Palmer and husband Jeff of Asheville; son, Mark Nichols and wife Tammy of Greenville, S.C.; sister, Darlene Waldroup of Westminster, S.C. She is also survived by four grandchildren who were the special “gems” of her life, Mary Christina Palmer of Asheville, Jeffery Jack Palmer II of Asheville, Randi Renay Graybeal of Nashville, Tenn., and Casey Graybeal of Chattanooga, Tenn. She had many nieces and nephews and is survived by special niece, Debbie Powers Hicks, husband W. Daniel Hicks Jr. and son William Trey Hicks III.
The family will receive friends and family for visitation from 1-2:50 p.m Sunday, Aug. 21, at United Methodist Church in Andrews. The service will immediately follow at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Mary Brown officiating. A private graveside service for family will be held in Valleytown Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Andrews United Methodist Church Life Center, P.O. Box 1310, Andrews, NC 28901.
Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, is in charge of all arrangements.
An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.