Kay Tidwell Nichols

July 28, 1953 - February 8, 2022

Susan “Kay” Tidwell Nichols, 68, of Marianna, FL passed away Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at her home.   Kay was born on July 28, 1953, in Marianna to Troy E. and Lucille Baxter Tidwell. She grew up in the First Baptist Church of Marianna, was a choir member, played handbells, and often volunteered with children and youth activities. Kay graduated from Marianna High School in 1971 and received an A.A. degree from Chipola Jr. College in 1973. While attending Chipola she worked in Administration and was a Chipola Bat Girl for the baseball team.  For many years she was an active and contributing member of Evangel Church and enjoyed all worship and fellowship activities with the congregation.  In January 1975 she married Donald E. Nichols and they had two children, Tiffany and Christopher. Upon returning to Marianna from Jasper, she worked at the Dozier School and attended night school at Troy State University where she earned an Education degree. Kay became a teacher at Grand Ridge Elementary School and taught for many years, always doting on her students. She retired in 2018.  Kay was a loving, kind, and spiritual person, who loved her Savior Jesus Christ, her family, her many friends in the community and her church. She was a faithful companion and caregiver for her father, Troy, throughout his life. She was always smiling and cheerful and loved organizing group activities with classmates and friends. A true bright light that burnt out too fast. Kay was dedicated to charity work and had plans to volunteer as a pink lady at Jackson Hospital before her death. She sponsored a child at Compassion International. She was loved and cherished by so many and will be greatly missed. She now rests peacefully and joyfully in the arms of the Father. She is preceded in death by her father, Troy E. Tidwell, mother Lucille Baxter Tidwell, and brother Troy Jr. She is survived by her two children, Tiffany Pippin and husband Chad of Baton Rouge, LA, and Chris Nichols of Sacramento, CA, her grandchildren, Keaira and Kealyn Pippin, her brother, Ritchie Tidwell and wife, Susan of Columbia, SC, and nephews, Ryan (Claire) and Jaret Tidwell, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.  Services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Evangel Church in Marianna, Florida with Pastor Lavon Pettis officiating. Interment will follow at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery in Malone, Florida with James and Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Evangel Church in Marianna. Flowers will be accepted or those wishing to may make memorial contributions may be sent to Evangel Church at 4792 US 90 Unit A, Marianna, FL 32446.  Social distancing and masks are encouraged.