Barbara Ellen Kunzeman Nicholson, 65, of Jacksonville died Wed., Nov. 25, 2020, at her home.
She was born Aug. 15, 1955, in Jacksonville, the daughter of Dale and Nellie Shafer Kunzeman. She married Rodney W. Nicholson on Oct. 19, 1974, in Alsey and he survives. She is also survived by one daughter, Valerie Nicholson of Portland, OR; two sons, Luke Nicholson (Deb Heck) and Isaac Wayne Nicholson (Elizabeth Carl), both of Jacksonville; eight grandchildren, Tia Johnson, Nora Ellen Johnson, Bodhi Nicholson, Tyson Nicholson, Wyatt Heck, Hanna Heck, Drake Wayne Nicholson, and Grace Nicholson; and three brothers and three sisters, Bonna Kunzeman, Bryon (Dana) Kunzeman and Art Kunzeman (Alina Beach), all of Florida, Weldon (Christine) Kunzeman of Wisconsin, and Annette (Joseph) Watkins and Janette (Greg) Sparks, both of Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Mrs. Nicholson received an associate's degree from Lewis & Clark Community College and then began her career as a clerical worker for the Illinois Office of the Attorney General. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Explorer's Bible Study, Christian Marriage Ministries, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Jacksonville Area Center for Independent Living. As the daughter of a U.S. Marine, she learned early in life what it meant to be a Patriot. Barb loved Jacksonville Sports, and playing games and listening to Sportsline on WLDS Radio. She loved to travel with Rod to his softball games and singing performances, and especially enjoyed yard sales.
Due to the pandemic and understanding that a limited number of people can be in the funeral home at one time, a public walk-through visitation will be held from 10 a.m.-12 noon on Friday, Dec. 4, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Following the visitation, a private family service will be held at the funeral home with burial at Glasgow Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church or Explorer's Bible Study. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John and Cheryl Cox
December 7, 2020
We knew Barb through years of Explorers Bible Study. She was so dedicated. She will be missed. Our prayers are with you and your family.
December 7, 2020
Rodney, Steve and I are so sorry to hear about Barb. Prayers to you and your family. Sincerely, Steve and Jean Shaw
Shelia Bell
December 4, 2020
Annie, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family in the loss of your sister. May God continue to strengthen and keep your heart!!! TRUST IN THELORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART - Proverbs 3:5-6
Russell Barringer
December 4, 2020
Rod and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our prayers. May God comfort you during this time of sorrow. I’m sure that Barb is rejoicing with the Lord!
Larry and Karen Ladd
December 2, 2020
Barb and Rod...what an amazing couple you were. Your strong faith is a shining example to all of us. God brought the two of you together to be supportive of each other and you both did that with love beyond measure. As sad as it is for all of us left behind, Larry and I are happy to think of Barb being "Home for Christmas" and dancing at Jesus' feet. Because of Covid we can't be there with you, but our prayers are with all of you.
Hoss garrett
December 2, 2020
Sorry 2 hear about ur loss big Tucker she is at piece brother
Diane Hollendonner
December 2, 2020
So very sorry for your loss. We shared lots of special moments over the years following our boys from the nite they were born to all the sports events. She loved reading, and it was always fun to see her shopping for bargains at the local yard sales.
Tracy Camden
December 1, 2020
Barb was a beautiful person. Sending my condolences and love to Bryan, Bonna, Art, Weldon, Ann and Jan. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hold on to the wonderful memories. ❤
Denise, Paul, and Ryan Roth
November 30, 2020
Missing you dear friend. No greater teachers of faith by example have we known than team Barb and Rod. Condolences to Rod, Val, Luke, Issac, Bonna, all the siblings, and grand children. She was proud of and loved each of you.
Suzanne and Kevin Roundcount
November 30, 2020
Deepest Sympathy to your families.
Tyler and Lindsey Howe
November 30, 2020
Prayers for the entire family during this time
Bob And Deb Freesen
November 30, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Imogene Eilers
November 30, 2020
Sorry for the famly.
Shelby Staake
November 30, 2020
So sorry for your loss
Glenda Wilcox McKinney
November 30, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. She was a very special friend any one could ask for as a new student in a new school. She will be missed profusely. "Willie"
Jerry Cowick
November 29, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Pat and Ed Frost
November 29, 2020
What a lovely lady with a constant smile, no matter how she felt..that was her greeting to you...And, of course, God gave her a loving, caring husband that did all he could to make her life as 'normal' as possible..........What a great spirit she had....such a Christian lady....loved my dear friend............
Janice Bonds
November 29, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with Barb's family
Mary Welch
November 29, 2020
Rod and family,
So sorry for your loss. She surely was a special lady.
Brian Slater
November 29, 2020
Sending hugs and condolences to Rod and family. Barb was a very kind person. She will be missed.
Brian n Tammy Slater
Alicia McDermott
November 29, 2020
Sending my love to you! Your family will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Mike & Robin Fundel
November 29, 2020
Our prayers and thoughts are with Rod & his family at those time, Barb was a wonderful person.
John Geraghty
November 28, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Karen Downs
November 28, 2020
Rod and family,
So sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. Regardless of the situation she always had a smile and an encouraging word. Barbs faith was unshakeable! And her love for her family never failed! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Deb Burrus
November 28, 2020
Thankful for the years spent with Barb at Explorer's as we studied God's truth together.
amy harms
November 28, 2020
Was a delight to work for and a joy to be around
Shirlee Clark
November 28, 2020
So very sorry for your loss. Barbara was a very lovely lady. I enjoyed being in EBS class with her. She was very knowledgeable. May God comfort you with His peace.
Karen Nobis
November 28, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of loss. Barb and I met at Explorer's Bible Study many years ago when our kids were all little and in the nursery. She was such a sweet spirit. Since I am a polio survivor we had disability as a common bond too. I imagine Barb now dancing freely around the throne of Jesus! Praise God!
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Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home - Jacksonville Chapel1100 Lincoln Ave., Jacksonville, IL 62650
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Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home - Jacksonville Chapel1100 Lincoln Ave., Jacksonville, IL 62650
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