Armelia Nichols

 On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by her loving family, as always, Mother Armelia Nichols quietly stepped out of time and entered into Eternity.  

She was born in Lula, MS on September 4, 1931, to the union of John & Flora Dillon.  Armelia was married to the late Hardin Nichols for many years. Together, they raised five daughters and three sons.  Because she was undoubtedly one of the greatest cooks in the country, her family, their classmates and friends always looked forward to enjoying Mom’s delicious homemade meals! It was important to Mom that even the birds had plenty to eat!    So, she fed them, too!

All of her family regarded her as a loving, caring, giving and affectionate mother.  In addition, all who knew her would agree that there should have been an award given for her amazing parenting skills! 

In the Fall of 2021, the Honorable Mayor Marcus Muhammad publicly recognized her and proclaimed September 4, 2021, as “The Armelia Nichols Day” here in the City of Benton Harbor.

After being employed by Michigan Fruit Cannery for many years, she was later chosen to become a trainer for incoming employees. Upon retirement, she became a full-time housewife and caregiver.  Mom’s time, here on Earth, was filled with life as she enjoyed praying & talking to the Lord, reading and studying the Bible, spending time with her family, taking care of her garden, solving puzzles, enjoying hands-on activities, shopping at yard sales or cheering-on her favorite basketball teams! But, please, please don’t call while Mom is reading the newspaper or watching her favorite Game Shows i.e. “The Price is Right”,” Jeopardy” & “Wheel of Fortune!”   Her faithful attendance & undeniable support at each and every family function will be sorely missed!

 At an early age, Mother Nichols was baptized in Jesus Name under the leadership of ‘the late Elder Wesley Hunter at Bethlehem Temple, here in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

She leaves to mourn her fondest memories, eight children: Flora Starling, Dorothy Nichols, David (Jellean) Nichols, Rose Nelson, Cynthia J. Nichols, Denise Nichols-Dewberry all  of Benton Harbor: Dennis (Angela) Nichols (Conroe, TX)  and Anthony Nichols (Grand Rapids, MI), one brother: Henry Dillon (Chicago, IL):  two sisters: Birda Dillon and Naomi Hurst of Benton Harbor: 20 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren,  and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins,  family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her mother: Flora Dillon-Bowman, father: John Dillon:  brothers: Joe, Hosea, William, John & Samuel Dillon, sisters: Eloise Branch & Meri Morris.

Sleep well, Armelia!  See ya’ in The Morning! 

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