Carrie Lee Ellis Shell Nichols, of Central Community, 94, died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, March 10, 2017, at NHC Healthcare. Mrs. Nichols was predeceased by her parents, Dayton and Lora (Perkins) Ellis; brother, Blake Ellis; sister, Betty Lou Honeycutt; her first husband, Carl Shell; and her second husband, Raymond C. Nichols.
She was precious to many surviving family members: daughter, Judy B. Shell Cole and beloved son-in-law, Leslie W. Cole; three grandchildren, Cheri Cole-Jenkins (Dale), Shonna Lee Cole and Jason L. Cole (Amy); four great-grandchildren, Carrie-Cate Rathgeb (Christopher), Leslie Jenkins Reed (Slocomb), Miriya Lee Bollenbacher and John Bollenbacher; two great-great-grandchildren, Lennox and Zara Rathgeb and Mike Bollenbacher; and nieces, nephews and cousins.
We imagine that the place prepared for her in the great beyond resembles the many playful picnics we shared on Roan Mountain.
We fondly remember her gifts as a homemaker, gardener, quilter, seamstress, and nurturer. She welcomed us all, family and friends, into her warm home — the big beautiful garden, the apple trees, the raspberry patch for pies and jam.
Mrs. Nichols prided herself on overcoming adversity, becoming an electronics technician for Sperry and Raytheon and retiring from Unisys. She was active in PTA, VFW-Women’s Auxiliary, ABWA, Eastern Star, and Central Community Christian Church, where she was a member and neighbor for most of her adult life.
The family of Carrie Lee Ellis Shell Nichols received friends from 1 until 2 p.m. Monday, March 13, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. The funeral service followed at 2 p.m. with Todd Wolfe, minister, officiating. The graveside committal service followed at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers were selected from family and friends. Memories and condolences may be sent to the Nichols family via www.morrisbaker.com.
Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, (423) 282-1521, is serving the Nichols family.