Patsy Nichols

Patsy (Pat) Joyce Nichols of Forney, Texas went home to be with her Lord & Savior on July 13, 2023 at the age of 95.

Pat was born February 16, 1928 in Seymour, Texas to Ernest A. Welch, Sr. & Eva (Dodd) Welch. She was the second born of seven brothers & sisters.

Pat was raised on a farm in Baylor County, Texas. Everyone worked! As the oldest daughter, her duties included taking care of her younger siblings, cooking & housework.

She attended Seymour High School & graduated in 1946. She met her future husband, John J. Nichols, Jr. at Red Springs Baptist Church in the fall of that year. After a whirlwind courtship, they married at the family farm on October 6, 1946. Pat & John honeymooned in Fort Worth, Texas. The next day they drove to Portland, Oregon to join his family, who had moved there from the Seymour area during World War II. While in Portland, Pat gave birth to their only child.

They returned to Texas in 1951. They lived in Vernon for a few years, then moved to Dallas in 1956 where they resided until their move to Forney in 1994.

Pat started work for Southwestern Bell as an operator, After several promotions, her final position was Supervisor on the Special Bills Desk until she retired in 1987.

Pat & John enjoyed traveling in their motor home & travel trailer. They visited family & attended POW conventions.

Pat was always active in their church. She loved teaching Sunday School. Her love for God & family defined her life.

Pat was a gracious, caring, kind & giving woman. People often described her as sweet. She had a beautiful smile & a kind word for all. She was always willing & wanting to help. She will be greatly missed.

Pat spent the last several months with her daughter and son-in-law at their home in Dallas.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, John J. Nichols, Jr.; her parents Ernest & Eva Welch; sisters, Winnie Peters, Juanita Hudson & Annita Montgomery; brothers, Ernest A. Welch Jr. & Morris Welch.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Candy Kellam & husband, Jack Kellam of Dallas; her brother, James Welch & wife, Cammie of Lubbock; sister-in-law, Saleta Welch of Forney; brother-in-law, Carroll Hudson of Lubbock & many nieces, nephews & friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at First Baptist Forney in the chapel, 1003 College St., Forney, Texas 75126. Interment following at Hillcrest Cemetery in Forney.

The family visitation will be Friday, July 21, 2023, 6:00-8:00 pm at New Hope Funeral Home, 500 East Highway 80, Sunnyvale, Texas 75182.

Memorials may be sent to First Baptist Forney, P.O. Box 97, Forney, Texas 75126.