Christy Clark Nichols

Christy Clark NicholsChristy Clark Nichols, 86, died March 24, 2013, at Hospice of Lansing’s Stoneleigh Residence. The admirable care she received during her short time in the hospice program was a fitting finish to her five year struggle with Alzheimer’s.

Christy was born in Louisville, KY to Edward R. and Dorothy Park Clark. She was a graduate of Randolph Macon Woman’s College in Virginia, and received a graduate degree from Michigan State University. She taught English at East Lansing High School, Lansing Community College and MSU, and influenced the lives of hundreds of students.

Her love of the arts was exhibited in her service as a member of the Boards of Kresge Art Center BoarsHead Theatre and MSU Summer Circle Theatre. She acted in productions at the Barn Theater, Riverwalk and Lansing Community College, and for many years sang with the MSU Choral Union. Her lifelong interest in music and theater influenced the lives and careers of her children. A member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church for 54 years, she taught Sunday School and wrote for the Voice, the church newsletter.

When the family moved to Michigan in 1957, Christy began serving her new community through the Junior League, the Lansing Woman’s Club, Town Hall and the Board of Child and Family Services. Through these organizations, and her teaching, she made many lifelong friends who enriched her life.

Surviving are her husband of 60 years, John Irvin Nichols Jr.; three sons, John Irvin Nichols III (Alice Munro) Castle Rock, CO, Will Nichols (Pam), Alma, MI and Taylor Nichols (Marga deEguilior) Los Angeles, CA; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Budge (Tom), Greenville, MI, Christian Colby (Pam), Petoskey, MI, Wilson Nichols, Traverse City, MI, Elizabeth Nichols, Chicago, IL, Will and Sam Nichols, Castle Rock, CO, Alexandra and Lee Nichols, Los Angeles, CA; two great-grandchildren, Elin Budge and Henry Colby; and a sister, Martha Clark Welch, Louisville, KY. Christy provided her sons and grandchildren a model of intelligence, grace and humor. Her influence and spirit are evident in her survivors.

A memorial service will be held at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1315 Abbot Rd., East Lansing on Saturday, April 6 at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service. Memorial gifts may be directed to Hospice of Lansing, 4052 Legacy Parkway, Lansing, MI 48911 or Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

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4 Messages to “Christy Clark Nichols

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Rick Anthony
March 27, 2013 at 5:40 pm

Irv, You have been a great friend to me and it is with heartfelt sympathy to hear of your wife’s passing. You must miss her greatly. I will be thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Rick Anthony

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John & Evelyn Drake
March 27, 2013 at 8:43 pm

Irvin Jr.,
We are thinking of you and the family at this difficult time. You and Christy were blessed with a long and happy life together and faith tells us that we will all be reunited again. Our prayers are with all of you.

Gob Bless—Our love, Evelyn and John, Hopewell, Va.

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Cathy Tucker
March 28, 2013 at 2:22 pm

Christy was a wonderful, caring teacher at ELHS, and I was proud to have worked with her there for so many years. When I first arrived at ELHS, she went out of her way like no one else to make me feel comfortable and offer support and advice in all areas of teaching. Her colleagues and students will remember her fondly. Please accept my sympathy and take comfort in knowing how many lives she positively impacted.
Cathy Tucker

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Jean Hall
March 29, 2013 at 10:58 am

I was sorry to hear about Mrs. Nichols’ death. I was a student of hers at ELHS in the 70’s. She was a calm and friendly presence who enjoyed the subject she taught. I remember she brought copies of Life magazine and the WWII film of the Hiroshima bombing aftermath. I also remember her teaching Mark Twain with wit and flair. I also knew her at Eastminster Presbyterian church so she was a familiar face. My Mom Betty went out to lunch with her in the last year or so and noticed the changes in her memory. They shared a background in English. I hope her family will find comfort in her life well-lived.

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