Beverly Nicholson's Obituary
Beverly Jean Watkins Nicholson of Memphis, 83, passed away May 13, 2015 after a short illness. She was a graduate of Central High School and attended Lambuth College in Jackson, TN. She was a member of the former St. Paul’s and Madison Heights Methodist Churches and an active member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church at the time of her death. Beverly was a social and civil rights activist in the Memphis community, active in the League of Women Voters, Church Women United and the United Methodist Women. She served on the boards of numerous organizations including the YWCA of Memphis and the United Methodist Neighborhood Centers, and for many years conducted worship services at the Shelby County Women’s Prison. In 1999, Beverly was recognized as a Community Peacemaker by the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center. She fought for peace, justice, racial harmony, and an end to hunger.She leaves her husband of 62 years, Lee A. Nicholson; son, David Nicholson (Vicki) of Eads, TN; daughter, Debbie Sims (Richard) of Franklin, TN; and sister, Janet G. Norris of Memphis. “Mammaw” dearly loved her grandchildren Heather Jennings (Andy); Ali Todd (Lee); Amy Long (Brandon); Rachel Gentry (Will); and Rick Sims; and her great grandchildren Nicholas and Lilly Ann Jennings, Kyler Todd, and Drake Long. She also leaves two nephews, Johnny Norris (Kimberly) of Memphis and David C. Norris (Jennifer) of Atlanta, GA. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 480 S. Highland followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be sent to St. Luke’s for the church food pantry or to the Church Health Center of Memphis.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, “Behind the Stone Wall.”
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