William Nichols was born March 25, 1935 in Lapine, Alabama to Roosevelt and Easter Nichols. He departed this life January 30th, 2021 surrounded by his family.
He was united in Holy Matrimony to Miss Martha Ray Collins in 1961 and from this union four children were born; Wilbur, William Jr., Cheryl Lynette, Marshetta and adopted son, Jason.
In 1966 William Nichols started a ministry in Benton Harbor, with the support of his wife. The Church now stands as Unity Temple Church of God in Christ. “The Church that dares to be Different.”
In 2015 he was consecrated Auxiliary Bishop in the COGIC and served his church and community well. Each year sponsoring “Unity in the Community” giving food, book bags, school supplies and fun for the children. He also worked with the Ministerial Alliance of Southwestern Michigan.
He leaves to cherish his memory his faithful and devoted wife of almost 60 years Martha Nichols, Three sons; Pastor Wilbur (Grace) Nichols of NC, William (Shawn) Nichols Jr of VA, Jason Nichols of IN. Two daughters Cheryl Lynnette Rogers of VA and Marshetta (Sean) Parker of NC. One granddaughter/daughter that he helped to raise Latonya Rogers of NC, 14 other grandchildren, 13 great grand children and his special God children. He also leaves to cherish his memory one brother Harvey Nichols of FL, two sisters, Betty Harris and Melonie Nichols of AL , a sister in love, Octavia Sims of LA, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and the entire Unity Temple Church family.
Bishop Nichols was preceded in death by his fraternal grandmother Savanah Nichols, his parents, 3 brothers, 2 sisters and his grandson William “Shug” Nichols.
Bishop Nichols leaves us to remember all of his great stories and analogies (Parables according to Bishop William Nichols 1:1)
He leaves us with this favorite saying: “I’ve had a good life, a good wife, a good family, and a good church”
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