Theodore Nicholson Obituary

At Bethune-Cookman University, Dr. Nicholson was an Educational leader serving as Coordinator of the Area of Mathematics, Director of the Basic Skills Program, Chairmen of the Board of Directors of Historically Minority Institutions Research Alliance (HMIRA), and Special Advisor to the President of Bethune-Cookman College. He co-authored 50 percent of the mathematics section of the College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) which was used by the State of Florida. One of his first employment positions was that of a High School coach at Fessenden High School in Ocala, Florida in 1956-1964. Over the years Dr. Nicholson received many awards and honors such as: Inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame, 2009, Claflin University; Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, Academic Year Institute Fellow, National Science Foundation 1960; Outstanding Scholarship Mentorship and Leadership and the announcement of the Theodore Nicholson Fellows Program, April 8, 2006; and President's Award, Bethune-Cookman College May, 2006. Dr. Nicholson was dedicated to serving God, his family, his church and the community. His passion was teaching mathematics, mentoring and being a role model to students. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 20 years, Merceda, three daughters, Saundra (Donald) Boykin, Fairport, New York; Brenda, Gainesville, Virginia; Karen, Gainesville, Virginia; one son, Dr. Theodore R. Nicholson, Jr., (Lauris), Villa Rica, Georgia; seven brothers-in-law, Tim (Eufalo) Brown, Jacksonville Beach, Florida; Phillip (Jacqueline) Brown, Newark, New Jersey; Ulysees (Sylvia) Brown, Richmond, Virginia; Wilford (Eugina) Brown, Jeffersonton, Virginia; Sylvester Brown, Orlando, Florida; Sanders McCutchen, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Frank (Anne) McCutchen, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; eight sisters-in-law, Bernice Archie, Putman Hall, Florida; Sherry Brown, Palatka, Florida; Lenette (Dennis) Grabowski, Daytona Beach, Florida; Dorothy (Ralph) Dallas, Palatka, Florida; Carolyn Brown, Palatka, Florida; Priscilla (Steve) Brown, Hastings, Florida; Emily Nicholson, Jacksonville, Florida; Dorothy Nicholson Thompson, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; ten grandchildren, Dr. Theodore III (Cherene), Matthew (Jailyn), Hayelom, Sarette, Makita, Wonde, Tony, Sabrina, Donald, Simone; one adopted sister, Rosa Lee Nicholson, Jacksonville, Florida; five Godchildren and many loving nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Herbert Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Published by Daytona Beach News-Journal on Aug. 26, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Theodore Nicholson

9 Entries

Gwendolyn Hunter

August 22, 2023

Truly, we are crossing over one by one! It was a pleasure and honor to have Dr. Nicholson as one of my professors at Bethune-Cookman University. The knowledge I received in my Statistics class really came in handy in graduate school and on the various jobs I have had. He was a great teacher and was a great asset to Bethune Cookman University. I extend my prayers to the family of Dr. Nicholson. God bless you, Merceda! We worked together many years ago.

September 4, 2011

My name is Daniel A. (Cookie) Nicholson. I am Dr. Nicholson's nephew. I am currently in Nigeria and did not find out about his death until today. He was much more than an uncle to me. He cared for me, he cared about me, and I thank God for his life.

To Aunt Merceda, Ted, Sandra, Brenda and Karen I say I love you and God is your strength so lean on Him and count on Him in every way.

Wanda Betourd

September 2, 2011

Sorry to here that Dr. Nicholson passed away. I am a former student. He helped me out and taught me a lot. He will truly be missed. Wanda Betourd Class of 1981

Larousse Charlot

September 2, 2011

Dr. Nicholson was one of the best professors of mathematics I have ever had. He did not just teach me during my journey at Bethune-Cookman College, he prepapred me to face all the challenges that were to come later in my life, be it academic or not. He was always challenging to push myself. I owe him a Ph. D in mathematics, for he provided me with what I needed to do so. When he did, he said, ". . . you are going to need prove yourself over and over again once you get there . . . " I did not quite understand him then, but after one semester in graduate school, the very conversation became etched in my memory. For that, I am blessed to have had him as an instructor and have him as a guide for the rest of my life. Dr. Nicholson, you are greatly missed and there is and never will be anyone parallel to you.

Robin Solomon

September 1, 2011

My deepest sympathy to Dr Nicholson's family. I was as a student of his and he took the time to teach me. I will be forever grateful. He was a great man and I'm glad I had the opportunity to know him. Class of 1991.

Gwendolyn Hunter

August 27, 2011

Dr. Nicholson was a great educator who had a tremendous impact on the lives of so many people. May God comfort his family and know he is now resting in Heaven.

Joe Flanders, Jr.

August 27, 2011

Your dad meant so much to me and our family. I can't tell you how much he will be missed by so many people. We love all of you from the bottom of our hearts.

DeVonda Bailey

August 26, 2011

He will be missed greatly, I learned a lot from him. I will always remember the lessons learned.

August 26, 2011

Dear Ted, Saundra, Brenda. I would visit BCC often, years after graduation and would visit with your father every chance I had. We would sit and talk. Found family ties went deeper than him being my Algebra in college. He knew my uncle as a child in Jax. Fl. Your father shall dearly be missed. Otis Girardeau class 1975

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