Mattie Jane Nichols

Mattie James Nichols "Doll"
September 6, 1935 - March 5, 2026

Mattie James Nichols, affectionately known as "Doll," was born in McComb, Mississippi, to the late Nehemiah and Emma Bowens. In 1942, she relocated to Gary, Indiana, where she spent the remainder of her life surrounded by family and loved ones.

On March 5, 2026, she peacefully departed this life, surrounded by those who loved her. She was united in marriage to the late Laurnell Nichols, and together they raised four children: Mattie Lee Melton (Clarence), Bernard Nichols Sr., Willie (TuShawn) Nichols, and Theresa Nichols, all of Gary, Indiana.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Laurnell Nichols; her grandsons, Clarence Melton Jr. and Reginald Ware Jr.; her daughter-in-law, Yvonne Nichols; one sister; and seven brothers.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children; Mattie Lee (Clarence Sr.) Melton, Bernard Nichols, Willie (TuShawn) Nichols and Theresa Nichols. grandchildren: "Hoodie" and Diana Jones of Merrillville, Indiana; Kenneth Jones; Tennille Melton; Timothy and Latoya Nunn of Gary, Indiana; Jerome Nichols; George Nichols Jr. and Bernard Nichols Jr.; as well as great-grandchildren: Alannah Nunn, Clarence Melton III, Terrance Melton, Maliyah Nichols, and Aaliyah Nichols, along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Services will be Saturday, March 14, 2026 at McDuffie Funeral and Cremation Services 1525 Broadway Gary, IN 46407 Visitation 9am to 11am and Services at 11am. Condolences can be emailed to [email protected]