Deaconess Alpha L. Nichols

On the morning of July 26th, 2019, Alpha L. Nichols peacefully returned to the side of our heavenly Lord God at the age of 82. She was comfortable and surrounded by family and friends during the last days of her life. Alpha started her journey on this earth on June 8th, 1937, born to proud parents Chappell and Beatrice Lee in Richmond, Virginia. Quick fact: if you did not know, Alpha weighed a mere 4lbs at birth in a time where hospitals were not as advanced as they are now. But she thrived, and with that the Lord showed us that she was meant to be here. She always knew and stressed the importance of education. She attended Armstrong High School and graduated in 1955. She continued on her path of education where she received her Bachelor of Arts in French Education at Virginia Union University in 1960. In 1977 she received her Master of Education in counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University. While in college she joined the most illustrious group of collegial educated and successful black women, The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She served her community and her sisterhood and mentored several young women to follow the same path for 50+ years

After and during her studies, Alpha worked as a French teacher in the Richmond Public schools for 17 years and as a guidance counselor for 16 years which led to her well-deserved retirement in 1992. While being a professional woman and a wife to Walter Nichols, a businessman, she raised the children, was involved in numerous things in the community, reached out to make sure everyone was alright, and attended church every Sunday at Zion Baptist Church.

Alpha was predeceased by her parents Chappell and Beatrice Lee. Brother Chappell Lee Jr, Alvaughn Lee Sr. and Ronal Lee Sr.

Alpha is survived by her husband Deacon Walter L. Nichols of 61 years, their three children Wanda Jackson, Sherry Jackson (Maurice), and Timothy Booker. Seven grandchildren Timothy Gilcrist Sr, Michael Glover, Jessica Wills, Tyquan Jackson, Deja Jackson, Rohan Jackson, and Ava Jackson, Alanda Lee, and 16 Great Grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Otelia Winn of Richmond, and Faye Lee of Washington DC. She is also survived by her in-laws,Rose Munford, Mary Marrow, Naomi Montgomery (Arthur) and Keith Nichols (Mana), Teresa Lee, Dutchess Lee, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Remains rest at Mimms Funeral Home, 1827 Hull St., where the family will recieve friends on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 from 6-7:30 PM. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at 11 AM at Zion Baptist Church, 2006 Decatur St. Rev. Robert Pettis, Pastor, Officiating. Interment Maury Cemetery.