Ruth Nichols Obituary

Nichols, Ruth

Ruth E. Hudson Nichols was born October 5, 1936 in Canton, Mississippi to Percy and Marie Hudson, Sr. She was the eldest of eleven children and led a remarkable journey of unwavering service to God, her family and community.

On June 19, 1955, Ruth married the late Rev. Howard Sanders Nichols, Sr. Their love produced five children-Debra, Shari, Krista, Marva, Howard, Jr.-and an unshakable legacy of family, leadership, and spiritual strength.

Ruth was educated in the Chicago Public School system, attending Raymond Elementary School and the renowned Dunbar Trade School. She furthered her education at Cortez Peters Business School and later attended Wilson Junior College, now Kennedy-King College. Her career began in the private sector with firms like Leo Rose and Joe Lipke & Sons, but her heart ultimately led her to serve within the Chicago Public Schools system at her beloved alma mater, Dunbar Vocational High School, where she retired.

Throughout her lifetime, she served faithfully as First Lady of Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church, Youth Director, Choir Member, and Fundraiser Chair in the Women's Department. She was Youth President of both the Progressive Baptist District Association and the Progressive Baptist State Convention of Illinois. She initiated the W.W. Taylor Institute Congress for Christian Education and was also a founding member of the Miss Christian America Pageant, which nurtured and celebrated young women of faith, character, and poise.

In every assignment, Ruth poured herself out with excellence and grace. Her voice sang in choirs- including one with her daughters that would later become known as the Nichols Sisters- her wisdom taught generations, her culinary talents turned meals into ministry, and her hands served the kingdom. She taught by example, gave selflessly, and inspired others to rise with purpose.

She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory, 5 children, 11 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, five siblings and a host of other loving family, friends and church members.

Services will be held Saturday, June 7 at Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church, 4526 S. Greenwood Ave. - Wake at 10 a.m. and Funeral at 11 a.m.

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