Melba Jean Nichols 86 of Foley Alabama, formerly of Russellville Alabama passed away peacefully after a 8 year long battle with dementia. She was born Feb 2, 1938, in Haleyville Alabama to parents Elmer and Minnie Hooker.
She was preceded in death by her husband John E Nichols, her parents, brothers Bill Hooker and Jack Hooker, sisters Mary Colburn and Doris Baker.
She is survived by her daughter Becky and (Gary Pennington) of Foley Alabama, grandson Austin Darling of Russellville Alabama. Granddaughters Michelle Gibson of Sarasota Fl, Tina Pennington of Peoria IL, Tami Pennington of Foley Al, and Rachel Pennington of Sarasota Fl. Six great grandchildren Austin, Hunter, Tyler, Annika, Allison and Thomas. Surviving sisters Marie Mason of Columbia South Carolina, Brenda Bates of Sheffield Alabama and brother Robert Hooker of Haleyville Alabama. A host of nieces and nephews.
She loved her life as a military wife, she was a great bowler, loved traveling and she loved her family. After retirement from military life they settled in Russellville where she worked for The Franklin County Times a few years.
The visitation will be 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 8, 2024, @ Spry Memorial Chapel. The funeral will be at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Brother Lloyd Ray Griffus will officiate the service. She will be entombed in the Winston Memorial Garden Mausoleum in Haleyville, AL. The pallbearers will be Clay McNatt, Levi McNatt, Drew Nix, Steve McDonald and Ricky Bates
Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family.
