Betty “Deaton” Nichols, 80,
of Poteau, OK
passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2014 in Ft.
Smith, AR. Betty was born June 21, 1933 in Poteau to
Bill & Blanche Deaton. Betty
graduated from the University
of Arkansas with a BS in
Education. She was a retired science
teacher of 22 years. She was an active
member of the First
Baptist Church,
Poteau. She was honored as Poteau &
Regional Teacher of the Year; Teacher of Excellence; inducted into the Oklahoma
Science & Engineering Science Fair Hall of Fame; and member of DKG
International Society. She served as an
active member of the board & as president for several years at Treasure
Lake Resort in Branson, MO.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Billie Florence
Humphries & brothers, Leon & Jay Deaton.
She is survived by her
husband, Ollen Odean (Double O) Nichols of Poteau; children, Richard, Ronnie
& Randy Nichols & Rhonda Hargis; 17 grandchildren; 8 great
grandchildren; other family and friends.
Services will be 10 am,
Saturday, April 19, 2014 at the First
Baptist Church,
Poteau with Rev. Clayton Griggs & Rev. Phil McGehee officiating. Interment will follow in Vaughn Cemetery.
The family will be at the
funeral home on Friday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with relatives &
friends.
Most of us will never have the impact on hundreds, maybe thousands, of people like a good educator. Miss Nichols was definitely one of the good ones. I was impacted by her enthusiasm, her stern, yet caring spirit, high standards, yet patience for those of us who just didn't "get" science. I was fortunate to grow up knowing her as not only my eighth grade science teacher, but also a neighbor. What a lovely, lovely person. Thank you, Miss Nichols. We are better because of you.
ReplyDeleteThis lady touched the hearts of everyone that knew her...she was one of my very favorite teachers and she will be missed...Heaven has a new angel...Prayers to her family...Regina Taylor
ReplyDeleteMrs Nichols inspired her students with creativity, humor and enthusiasm. She challenged us to do better and be better. One of my all time favorite teachers and look forward to seeing her again "on the other side."
ReplyDeleteWhat a loss for our family but a special addition to Heaven! My sister and I spent many happy days with Betty, Odean, Aunt Blanche and Uncle Bill. We could always count on Betty for a hug or counsel or comfort or a laugh - she was the best of our family and jokingly told my husband so the first time they met! But she was right - she was the best and she will be remembered with much love and missed until we meet again in Heaven.
ReplyDeleteI'm just now finding this, which saddens me. Almost 6 years since she passed. She had such a profound impact on my life as a student. Always challenging me to succeed. I can still hear her voice chastising me for being late on my homework.
ReplyDeleteShe always gave the benefit of the doubt.
What a good person, salt of the earth. She will be missed...