Barbara Nichols Edens

1942 - 2017

BARBARA NICHOLS EDENS Barbara "China" Lucille Nichols Edens age 74, of Leland, passed away Sunday, May 28, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin D. Edens, her first husband, James P. Fitzsimmons, her lifetime companion, Arbie Humphrey, her parents, Lyonelle C. and Doska Wactor Nichols, her sister, Betty Ann Strange, and brother Bobby Nichols. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Diane F. Smith and husband Kevin, of Wilmington; her son, James "Bossy" Fitzsimmons and wife Jamie of Leland; her daughter, Julie E. Haynes and husband Anthony of Lawndale, NC, her grandchildren, Thomas Wayne Newkirk and Amanda of Wilmington, Daniel Joseph Klutz and fiancee Shana, of Delco, Brandon H. Rivenbark of Leland, Kaitlin M. Newkirk and fiancee Steven of Charlotte; and brothers, W.C. Nichols of Irmo, SC, Thomas A. Nichols of Virginia , and Cecil D. Nichols of Columbia SC, and her animal companion "Gracie" who stayed by her side until the very end. She was born September 25, 1942 in Columbia, SC, and had worked as a waitress at New China Restaurant for over 20 years. She was active in the Women's Bowling League at Cardinal Lanes throughout her entire life. She loved bingo, shagging and line-dancing, and games but her passion was her family. Funeral services will be held 11 am Friday, June 2, 2017 at the Life of Victory Everlasting Ministries, 1444 Lanvale Rd., Leland. Pastor Jimmy Mintz will officiate. Burial will follow in Oleander Memorial Garden. Pallbearers will be Thomas W. Newkirk, Daniel J. Klutz, Brandon H. Rivenbark, Roger L. Toney, Jackie N. Hyatt, and Jay W. Stokley. Share memories and condolences to the family at www.wilmingtoncares.com. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory may be sent to SECU Hopice House in Bolivia, NC, by visiting, www.tmcfunding.com Wilmington Funeral & Cremation Village Road Chapel 525 Village Road, Leland, NC 28451. 910.383.3511