Jerolene Ouzts Nickles

Jerolene Ouzts Nickles, 96, passed away peacefully May 17, 2025, at her daughter's home in Columbia, SC. She was born September 11, 1928 in Greenwood, SC, the daughter of the late Samuel and Josephine Rodgers Ouzts.

Jerri graduated from Greenwood High School and attended Lander College. She married Robert Lee Nickles and early in their marriage, they made their home in Beaufort, SC. Jerri was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church of Beaufort and was active in several committees including the Women's Missionary Union. She chaperoned for church youth trips and often served as their chief cook. Many remember her fondly as the only "grandma" on the trips. Jerri also volunteered with Mothers of Preschool Children and the Child Abuse Prevention Association.

Her life was marked by love, kindness, and an unwavering faith in God. On Sundays, her home was often a gathering place of family and friends for dinner. She was an avid Braves fan and rarely missed a televised game, even attending a few games in Atlanta.

In 2015, Jerri left her beloved Beaufort and moved to Columbia to live with and be cared for by her daughter. She brought her faithful and much-loved dog, Baxter. Jerri's new neighbors and their children soon came to know and love her. She always insisted everyone call her Mema. Her favorite pastime was sitting on the front porch observing neighborhood activities or the back deck watching the birds. If it wasn't raining or freezing, Jerri was outside in a rocking chair.

In addition to her parents, husband Robert Lee Nickles, brother Samuel Ouzts, daughter Bonnie Nickles O'Brien and grandson Ronald O'Brien preceded Jerri in death. She is survived by son Robert Michael Nickles (Connie), daughters Joanne Goldsborough (John), Leslie Lynam (John) and grandchildren Jennifer Adams (Dewey), Robin Locke (Andy), Parker Goldsborough, Michelle Begg (Mike), Katelyn Nickles and Chloe Nickles. She is also survived by great grandchildren Bonnie, Logan, Hunter, Scarlett, and Sadie.

Services will be held at the Baptist Church of Beaufort on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 1:00 pm. The family will visit with friends in the sanctuary at noon.

Donations may be made to HaDora Hospice, 6156 Saint Andrews Road, Suite 208, Columbia, SC 29212, or the Baptist Church of Beaufort, PO Box 879, Beaufort, SC 29901.