Ruth C Nichols

In Loving Memory of Ruth C. Nichols

With love and gratitude for a life well-lived, our family celebrates the incredible 96 years of Ruth C. Nichols of Woodstock, GA (formerly 56 years in Smyrna, GA), who left us peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

She spent 73 wonderful years married to her sweetheart, Joe. Together, they built a beautiful life.

Born on May 24, 1929, in Etowah, TN, Ruth had a heart as full of life as her beautiful flower garden. She had an extraordinary green thumb and could coax life and color out of anything she planted, but she was especially proud of her roses, peonies, and African violets. Tending to her flowers brought her joy, and she loved sharing their beauty with those she cherished. She also never missed a chance to cheer on her beloved Atlanta Braves. Above all, she appreciated time spent with her family, who were her greatest pride and joy. Ruth was also a beloved staff member of Smyrna Christian Academy for 14 years.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Joe Willis Nichols; sons Terry Joe Nichols (Rachel) of Canton, GA, Robert D. Nichols (Anne) of Knoxville, TN, and Mark Allen Nichols (Vicki) of Loganville, GA; and daughter Deborah Ruth Taylor (John) of Douglasville, GA. Grandchildren: Kelly Helms (Anthony), Cynthia Thomsen (Victor), Anna Nichols, Connor Nichols, great-grandchildren: Dylan Bailey (Bre), Brent Bailey, Katelyn Celluzzi (Chandler), Riley Thomsen, and great-great-grandchild Jameson Celluzzi, who will forever carry her love in their hearts. She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings.

Visitation will be held at Carmichael Funeral Home in Smyrna, GA, on Thursday, October 2, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Friday, October 3, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are warmly invited to celebrate her life in the chapel of Carmichael Funeral Home on Friday, October 3, at 1:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Georgia Memorial Park Cemetery.