Linda Elizabeth Nichols

Linda was born in Mobile, Alabama to Robert Lee and Sarah Elizabeth (Best) Ingram on January 18, 1938, and died peacefully under hospice care in Houston, Texas on September 4, 2016.

Following her mother's untimely death, Linda was raised in the Houston area by her father and her step-mother Josephine. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in Houston, and in 1955 married George J. Nichols.

Linda was the consummate Southern hostess and enjoyed cooking, entertaining, and hosting parties. There was always a spot at Linda's table. Whether for a life-long friend or someone she had just met, all were welcomed. Every home in which she lived was warm, inviting, immaculately decorated, and abuzz with activities, especially during the holidays.

As George built a successful dental practice, Linda supported him and their children through volunteer and fundraising efforts with PTA's at Bunker Hill Elementary School, Spring Branch Middle School, and Memorial High School; the MHS Booster Club; the Girl Scouts of America; Chapelwood UMC; and the Houston Dental Society Women's Auxiliary. She also was a docent at Bayou Bend.

Until being diagnosed with cancer 12 years ago, Linda was heavily involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren, and enjoyed the many, many friends she had made along the way. For more than a decade, Linda fought valiantly and gracefully against first cancer, and then the devastating effects of her surgery and treatments. The family would like to thank her many doctors, and the wonderful nurses and caregivers who attended to her over the years.

Linda is survived by her three children – Sheri Elizabeth Skinner and her husband Robert; Sharon Lyn Gregory and her husband Raymond; and George Shon Nichols and his wife Elizabeth. "Mimi" is also survived by her seven precious grandsons – Matthew R. Baughman, Christopher A. Baughman, Raymond L. "Trey" Gregory III, Travis N. Gregory, G. Austin P. Nichols, Collin P. Nichols, and S. Blake Gregory – and her friend for life, ex-husband, and father of her children, Dr. George J. Nichols. She is also survived by her brother Robert Lee Ingram, Jr. and his family, and her cousin Calvin C. Mann II and his family.

A memorial service honoring Linda's life will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, September 9 in the Sanctuary at Chapelwood UMC, 11140 Greenbay, Houston, Texas, 77024, with Rev. Wick Stuckey officiating.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring to do so may make a donation in Linda's name to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America or the American Cancer Society.