Willene Athearn Nichols, age 90, of Clearwater, FL passed away on October 9th, 2023 at the Tierra Pines Center following complications of dementia.
On October 7th, 1933, she was born in Richmond, VA to loving parents Robert H. Athearn and Lillian Florine Tillman. On August 25th, 1953, she married Kenneth H. Nichols, Sr. in Alexandra, LA. Together, they shared 64 years of marriage.
Willene was a teacher and a dedicated member of Curlew United Methodist Church. She lived in many places including, Richmond, VA, Lake Charles, LA, Baltimore, MD, Clearwater, FL, and Gainesville, FL.
She loved cruises, road trips, piano, music, bowling, and Disney. Willene was sassy with a great sense of humor, she was stern and outspoken. She was also sacrificial, selfless, and loving.
Willene was proceeded in death by her daughter- Betty Nichols Hawkins and her husband- Kenneth Henry Nichols. She is survived by her sons- Kenneth (Mary) Nichols, Jr, Gerald (Crystal) Nichols, daughter- Barbara (Jeffrey) Zopfl, sister- Joyce Eddins, thirteen grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 15th, 2023 at 1:00 PM with a service to follow at 3:00 PM at Veterans Funeral Care- 830 N. Belcher Road Clearwater, FL 33765.
Her burial will take place on Tuesday, October 17th, 2023 at 1:30PM at Sarasota National Cemetery- 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.
We will always remember the wonderful woman she was and the love she shared with so many.
Thank you (grand) mom for everything you sacrificed us and for others.
Love you always,
Kathy