Obituary of Nancy Jean Rhodes Nicholson January 7, 1942 - December 15, 2024

Nancy Jean Rhodes Nicholson 82, of Jasper and Brookeland, Texas passed away peacefully at home December 15, surrounded by her loving family. Nancy was born in Paterson, New Jersey on January 7, 1942, to Charles C. Rhodes, Sr. and Carolyn Unger Rhodes and was one of seven children.

Nancy was a devoted wife to her husband Charles A. “Charlie” Nicholson whom she met at the Pak-A- Sak store Charlie managed while still attending high school in Shreveport, Louisiana. Nancy was swept off her feet by “handsome Charlie” who was recently discharged from the army. Soon after Nancy’s high school graduation the pair eloped to be married. They had four children together; Scott, Mark, Amy and Matthew, and were married for 64 years.

The couple moved from Shreveport to Jasper in 1966. They soon opened a restaurant called “Sunny South” later renamed “Texas Charlie’s Restaurant.” Nancy worked alongside Charlie at the restaurant for 35 years. Nancy had a natural talent for catering and entertaining, and was known among friends and family for creating warm and welcoming gatherings where everyone felt at home.

The most notable gathering of the year was held on Christmas Eve at their home on Main Street in Jasper. Prior to the gathering, Nancy would sing “Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming” at the candlelight service at First United Methodist Church, then welcome a large crowd of friends and family for fellowship, carols, and seafood gumbo. This tradition continued until they moved to their home at Rayburn Country.

After the closing of Texas Charlie’s restaurant, Charlie and Nancy operated Texas Heritage Pie Company, famous for its mile-high apple pie shipped all over the U.S.

Nancy deeply believed in the importance of serving her community and dedicated her time and talents to making a positive impact to those around her. This included establishing “The Yard of the Month” a beautification project for Jasper. Nancy also raised awareness and funds for the gazebo that was built on the square in downtown Jasper. For these efforts in 1978, Nancy was named, “Outstanding Young Person Of the Year,” by the Jasper Chamber of Commerce. She and her sister Judy could often be found in a booth at Texas Charlie’s restaurant, coffee in hand with a yellow ledger pad, planning community projects.

Nancy served on the Jasper City Council, and for her work in community race relations during the Byrd trial, she was honored with the Community Achievement Award from the United States Department of Justice.

Later in life, Nancy obtained her real estate license and had a successful career working for Century 21 in Jasper and in recent years Keller Williams Buchanan Realty Group of Lufkin.

In 2016, Nancy fulfilled a life-long dream and established the Jasper Community Praise Choir, a multi-denominational choir with members representing twenty-five area churches. Nancy directed the choir, selected the music, developed the program and publicized choir events. The choir continues under the leadership of Woody Wade. Nancy was blessed with a tremendous musical talent and beautiful soprano singing voice that brought joy and comfort at many life celebrations in Jasper.

Nancy was a woman of deep and unwavering Christian faith, a prayer warrior whose life was a testament to many. Her trust in the Lord was evident in her words, actions and the love she poured into those around her. She had a genuine love for humanity and had the gift of encouragement. Her favorite scripture was Ephesians 3:14-21.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Charles C. Rhodes, Sr. and Carolyn Unger Rhodes, her sister Judith Popejoy James, her brothers Bruce Benson Rhodes, Brian Predmore Rhodes and sister-in-law Avery Alderman Rhodes.

She is survived by her sister Susan Rutledge Zaffater of San Juan Capistrano, California and her brothers Charles Clayton Rhodes, Jr. and David Stephen Rhodes and wife Glenna Faye Rhodes, of Nacogdoches, son Scott Clayton Nicholson and wife Ann of Columbia, Maryland, son Mark Randall Nicholson and wife Charyce of Spring, Texas, daughter Amy Rhodes Nicholson Wright and husband Keith Wright, of Zavalla, son Matthew McCall Nicholson of The Woodlands and “adopted son” Ben Hancock of Jasper. Nancy, lovingly called “Nana” by her family, was blessed with nine grand-children and four great-grandchildren. Nana would often say, her greatest life achievement and joy was that of being a wife and mother. Her favorite end to all conversations was “Onward and upward!”

The family would like to express their gratitude to the many friends who expressed love and support to Charlie and Nancy during her illness. Our heartfelt thanks to Affinity Hospice, Bryan Harkness and staff Myranda, Jessica, Patricia, Rai, Kelsey, Savannah, Margie and Lekethia for their special love and care of our mother.

Visitation will be held at Stringer Griffin Funeral Home Wednesday, December 18, from 5:00-7:00 pm. A memorial service will be held Thursday at 11 am at First United Methodist Church in Jasper.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Jasper Community Praise Choir, 314 Main Street, Jasper, Texas 75951.

Services are under the direction of Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home of Jasper.