MARLENE J. NICHOLS
Jan. 14, 1940-July 23, 2011
Marlene Louise Johnson Nichols, a native of Concord, Ark., passed away Saturday, July 23, after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was a loving wife and mother, whose zest for life was contagious to all who knew her.
During her husband's time in the Air Force, she spent her free time volunteering as a thrift store coordinator. Her unique style of operation was referred to, and adopted by, other military facilities.
Her drive and ambition led her down the path of entrepreneurship when she opened Marlene's Subs in 1985.
After 15 years of serving "the best subs under one roof," she retired and began her volunteer work for Meals on Wheels, where she touched many lives.
She also greatly enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Velma and Charlie Johnson; seven brothers; two sisters; and a daughter, Pamela Spellen.
She is survived by her husband, David Nichols; her son Allen Nichols (Debbie); her daughter, Brenda Long; her sister, Nita Gay; a special niece, Lilly Thomas; her grandchildren, David Spellen (Melissa), Lori Long (Scott), Renee Long (Terry) and Chris Nichols; her great-grandchildren, Zoey and Jayden Lane and Maddy Suzanne Spellen; and furry friends, Nikki (doodle-doodle-do) and Benji-Man.
In addition to family, special friends include Carolyn Tino, Pat and Gary Emery, Bobbie Patterson, Lorena Anderson, Tim and Delsey Tarpey and Marie Carroll.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Howell Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m., with visitation to follow. Burial will be 9 a.m. Wednesday at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on July 25, 2011 1:47 PM