Jackie Nichols

Jackie was known for her kind, sweet spirit. She greeted everyone with open arms and sent them home with a full stomach. Her heart was full when her house was filled with family and friends. She shone bright while entertaining but most especially when she shared her love for cooking. Her fondness for cooking started from a young age, sharing kitchen duties with her siblings and picking different recipes from a cookbook series from Better Homes and Gardens. A pampered chef party was her ultimate shopping spree. Jackie Jean Nichols was born November 26, 1958; the first born twin to Eli and Lois Molina, in Worland, Wyoming. She was the oldest of five children. Her hospitality ran deep and her tender heart blossomed from a young age. The home she grew up in always had an open door policy. Relatives, friends, and sometimes even strangers gathered around the table routinely. During college, she would bring home anyone left alone during holidays or breaks at school. She brought them into a home filled with love, laughter, and good food. Jackie attended Casper College and graduated with a Business Degree. She moved to Billings Montana where she worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In the fall 0f 1983 Pete and Jackie met at a Christian singles group. They were wed on March 24th of 1984 then moved to Florida in 1988. During her years in Florida she worked for the Department of Transportation until her retirement. Pete and Jackie added to their home a swimming pool this quickly became one of her happy places when enjoyed with her friends and family. Another addition to the home were fur babies Winston and Bently. These pups were considered their boys and received home cooked meals and love like everyone else. Jackie made friends easily from all walks of her life; church, gym, work and school. Her ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved made her a perfect social butterfly. Her family was her foundation and her friends were the light in her life; although, friends quickly became family. Her best friend, Mame, was like a sister and while Jackie didn't have children of her own, she was able to be an auntie, grandma, and mother figure through Mame's family and many other children in her life.

Jackie is survived by her husband Peter Nichols, mother Lois Molina; siblings June Molina, Dee (Melinda) Molina, Stacey Nomura, and Rozan (Cole) McKinnon; and numerous other family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her father Eli Molina and two baby siblings Jeffry and Sandra.

A funeral service for Mrs. Nichols will be conducted on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 4:00 P.M. in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel. A private family burial will follow the service. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation beginning at 3:00 P.M. prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be considered to the Haven Hospice - Suwannee Valley Care Center of Lake City, 6037 W. US HWY 90, Lake City, FL, 32055.