Virginia Phyllis Nicholson, 92 of Gainesville, formerly of Clearwater, died peacefully at home on December 14, 2018. She will be remembered by her genuine kindness, her loving spirit and her positive outlook on life. “Ginny” was born in Ames, Iowa and after living in Minnesota, she moved to Clearwater in 1971. For many years, she enjoyed her friends at the Caladesi Chapter, NSDAR and the Berkley Plantation National Society Colonial Dames. For over 20 years, her great passion was genealogical research. She loved helping others with their research at the library.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Thomas J. Nicholson, Sr. and her grandson, James Nicholson. She is survived by her brother, Ben Mason; her children Thomas (Tami) Nicholson and Linda (Frank) Vellake; her grandchildren Kerry Vellake and Amy Nicholson; her sister-in-law Shirley (Richard) Thornsberry and many nieces and nephews.
Interment will be at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
I was just about 15 years old when I first met Virginia and her family when they moved in next door to me in St. Cloud, Minnesota. None of us had much money back then , but we managed to have some very good times. Virginia always greeted me with a kind remark and a smile. She had a gentle way about her and treated everyone with great respect. She also had the best sense of humor. How could I forget the horrific look on her face and that of my mother, as they both rode the “Mad Mouse” at a local amusement park. We stood below and chuckled as they screamed and laughed as the little cars they were riding in bumped and plunged their way along the rusty rails. Of course the impromptu picnics we all went on were fun as was the famous camping trip to New London, Minnesota where we nearly froze solid on that cold June night. I’m so glad that she was a part of my life. I’m now nearly 71 years old and even though those memories should have long ago faded, they haven’t. Thank you Virginia for being the kind person you were. May you now rest in peace. May God embrace you as you meet those loved ones that have gone before you. I send my deepest sympathy to your family. Love, Glen
Virginia was a wonderful mother. We have so many memories of all the good times we had. Even during the hard times, Mom held us together. During her last two years, we had the privilege of taking care of her as the roles of parent and child were reversed. She will be missed by all who knew her.
As a member of Caladesi DAR, I’ll never forget Virginia N. as probably the most dedicated of all our members – she never missed a chapter meeting or a research session at Dunedin Public Library! Nor did husband Tom, for that matter, as he dropped her off and came and picked her up, until he was no longer with us. I remember Virginia Rudolph and I waiting for him along with Virginia N., and in later years, he may not have been right on time, but he always got there! They were “true blue” and will be sorely missed!
Just wanted Virginia’s family know how much we loved Virginia. We served together in the Dunedin Library as genealogy helpers from the Caladesi Chapter DAR. She was always dressed with care with violet hues and perfect makeup. I also had the opportunity to help her with her on genealogy and application to the Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, Berkeley Plantation Chapter. A friend to all. We will miss her. Dave & Mary Kitchen
Blair enjoyed working with her husband at GTE phone company for many years. It was always nice to stop in and see them, for a short visit when in Clearwater. After Tom’s death we stayed in touch with your Mom, and did enjoy her many stores. She was always gracious and had a lovely smile.
Aunt Virginia was such a special person. I have so many fond memories of her, especially from the many trips to Florida over the years. She was always so happy and cheerful and had such a great laugh. We as a family were so blessed to have had her in our lives. I will always remember her so fondly.
Linda and Tom,
I am so sorry to learn of Ginny’s passing. We had been girlhood friends since grade school in Ames, Iowa, as well as
fellow Camp Fire Girls, and neighbors. In our MUCH later years we were able to enhance our correspondence by visiting
each other when I visited my daughter annually in Sarasota several times. Each was a FUN time—especially because our husbands enjoyed each other as well. Even though I have lived in Minnesota since 1948, we never got together when they lived so close.
Her mother Phyllis was not only active with our Camp Fire Girls group, but was also a friend of my mother.
I will miss hearing from Ginny.
In Sympathy,
Lorna
We will always remember Mom’s stories. She loved to tell about chasing Tommy through the cemetary across from their house. We’re not sure who laughed harder. Mom loved the grandkids most of all. She enjoyed making checkerboard cakes for the kids. It was always a 50- 50 chance they would turn out right. Mom and Dad loved taking the grandkids on vacations. They took the kids out west and to Iowa more than once. Mom recognized us right to the end. Her bright smile and unconditional love will be missed.
Virginia and Tom lived across the street from us back in the 60’s. Linda was our baby-sitter! Virginia was the sweetest most genuine person. She loved animals and helped me understand dogs better. She offered her friendship wholeheartedly and I was blessed to be one of hers. A beautiful soul, loved and missed.
My Husband and I both met Virginia and her late Husband, Tom in the 1970’s. What wonderful people and what a pleasure to have known them. Virginia was one of the nicest, sweetest people that I have ever had the privilege of knowing. A dignified,intelligent Lady with a marvelous sense of humor and vast knowledge and always a kind word to every one that she came in contact with. I feel very fortunate to have known her for almost 40 years and her passing is viewed with sorrow but also with great memories.
Going through some old Christmas letters and thinking about Virginia Nicholson. She was a genealogy friend since she was in Florida and I in Oregon, we did a lot of email. I was able to prove a new patriot for NSDAR and that helped Virginia with her personal research. We did meet at a “Grier/Greer family reunion near Barnesville, Ohio. She and Tom were lovely people and it was fun to trade genealogy stories. Virginia was always very friendly, upbeat and positive in her friendships and genealogy. I have been a DAR member for 40 years and also a member of Colonial Dames of XVII century just like Virginia.
RIP Virginia. You have been missed. Feb 9,2024