Mrs. Johnnie Laverne Gilmore Nicholas “Big John” died peacefully at her home on the Space Coast in Palm Shores, Florida, on June 16, 2020, at the age of 90.
Mrs. Nicholas was born in Dyer, Tennessee to Bertie G. and Bessie DeFoe Gilmore on September 10, 1929. After her father’s death in 1935, Mrs. Nicholas moved to Humboldt with her mother and two younger siblings. Mrs. Nicholas attended Humboldt City Schools, graduating in 1947. In 1948, she married the love of her life Robert Lavern (R.L) Nicholas from Humboldt, Tennessee.
Mrs. Nicholas was a lifelong member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for 35 years. She had a deep love for her Lord and her church. Mrs. Nicholas had a long and varied work career. During her early years she worked at Wayne Knitting Mills. Later she enjoyed serving as the Director of the Milan Senior Citizens Center.
Mrs. Nicholas was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, her parents, and nine siblings.
Mrs. Nicholas is survived by: a daughter Brenda Nicholas Miles (Truman), and a son Robert Blane Nicholas, Sr. (Stephanie); six grandchildren Tyler Miles, Blane Nicholas (Lindsie), Lindsey Nicholas, Brian Jackson, Tristan Jackson, Elaina “Lanie” Jackson; three great-grandchildren Nicholas Simmons, Ryker Blane Nicholas, and Timothy “Timmy” Jackson. Mrs. Nicholas is also survived by five Sisters-in-law: Mrs. Jean Doyle, Mrs. Jane Wall, Mrs. Gracie Fewell, all of Humboldt, Tennessee, Mrs. June Gilmore of Peoria, Illinois, and Mrs. Mae Gilmore of Gadsden, Tennessee, and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to give special thanks to Vitas Hospice Crisis Care nurses and chaplain in Melbourne, Florida, who ministered to Mrs. Nicholas and the family.
Mrs. Nicholas, known to many as Big John, touched the hearts of all who knew her, and she will forever live on in each of us.
A private family service will be held in light of social distancing.
Shelton-Hunt Funeral Home
