Sondra Kay Nichols

1943 - 2025

Sondra Kay Nichols
Jacksonville - Sondra "Kay" Nichols passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, February 28, 2025, in Jacksonville. Kay was born on April 29, 1943, in Godfrey, IL, the sixth and last surviving child of Samuel R. and Beatrice G. Camerer. She married Bill (Nick) Nichols at the Eldred Baptist Church on January 6, 1962.
A lifelong resident of Central Illinois, Kay was a 1961 graduate of Carrollton High School, where she was a cheerleader and played the cornet in the band. After graduation, she attended Gem City Business School. Over the years, Kay worked in administrative and business positions, including at Franklin Life Insurance Company, the State of Illinois, Roodhouse National Bank, Weight Watchers, Farmers State Bank, and Lenz Distributing.
Kay became a Christian at a young age at Eldred Baptist Church and was a current member of the First Baptist Church in Jacksonville. She had a strong faith and served her community by volunteering in various roles, including Sunday School teacher, Bible School co-director, Girl Scout helper, Scott County Home Extension member, and as a county fair judge in culinary foods for both Scott and Morgan Counties. She also enjoyed helping with the Farmers State Bank Tiger Troop, with making gingerbread houses being a highlight each year.
Kay loved working with fresh and artificial flowers, creating beautiful arrangements for every season. She cherished spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy. Affectionately nicknamed 'Nannie' by them, she was a constant, enthusiastic presence at their activities, always there to cheer them on, rain or shine. During visits, Nannie always had a job to do-whether altering or hemming dresses, costumes, curtains, or school uniforms. In her spare time, she enjoyed going to the movies with a bucket of popcorn and a Diet Coke-an activity she shared with her grandchildren as often as possible, creating lasting memories together.
Holidays held a special place in Kay's heart-she loved decorating for fall, painting pumpkins with the grandchildren, and carefully arranging her cherished Christmas houses and decorations to make sure everything was 'just right.' Nannie especially loved filling Christmas stockings and Easter baskets, always putting great thought into finding the perfect gift for each person. She found great joy in celebrating Christmas with family and friends, making those gatherings some of the most meaningful moments of the year.
Survivors include her loving husband of 63 years, Bill (Nick) Nichols of Jacksonville; two daughters, Crystal (John) Killday of Jefferson City, MO, and Kim (Tom) Lenz of Springfield, IL; three granddaughters, Courtney (Blaine) Toebben, Morgan Lenz, and Katie Lenz; two grandsons, Carson Killday and Drew Lenz; two great-grandchildren, Kamden and Parker Kate; three sisters-in-law, Melody Camerer of Scottville, Elizabeth (Liz) Camerer of Jacksonville, and Karen (Bob) Nichols of White Hall; numerous nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends Betty, Ann, and Theresa. Her best friends, known as "the gang," included Connie Sue Segobiano of Alton; Judy Reichmann and Karen Parker of Carrollton; Bobbie Neil of Barnett, MO; Linda Reif of Jacksonville; Carol Piper of Jacksonville; and Linda McGuire (deceased).
Kay was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters, Betty (Art), Janet (Dutch), Phyllis (Tudy), and Linda (Butch); and two brothers, Charles (Sonny) and Bob.
A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Jacksonville. A visitation will be held 10 a.m. until time of services at the church. Daws Family Funeral Home in Jacksonville is assisting the family. Memorials are suggested to the Scott County 4-H and Jr. Fair or the First Baptist Church.