Martha Lee Nickless

1924 - 2024

Martha Lee Nickless

August 25, 1924 - November 27, 2024

Martha Lee Blanks Nickless, 100, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2024, in Richmond, VA. She was the daughter of the late Claude F. Blanks and Norma B. Blanks, and sister of the late H. Leon Blanks and Charles F. Blanks, Sr. Martha was born in Asheville, NC, on August 25, 1924, and grew up in nearby Swannanoa. She loved living in her family's home, Riverby Inn, which became home to others during the Great Depression.

As a young woman, Martha moved to Washington, DC, where she met Robert W. "Bob" Nickless, from Iowa. They married on June 11, 1945. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Illinois, where their four children were born. In 1964, Bob accepted a job offer from the A.H. Robins Company, resulting in the family's relocation to Richmond, VA. The family attended Bon Air Presbyterian Church where they were active members. They also often enjoyed family time at their second home at Lake Gaston in NC.

After Bob's death in 1974, Martha obtained her degree in education from Virginia Commonwealth University. She briefly taught kindergarten in Richmond before moving to Lake Gaston, where she became a Realtor. Her interests included attending church, singing in the choir, and participating in Bible studies. She was an avid bridge player well into her 90s.

Martha is survived by her four children: Kathryn N. Garnett; Peter H. Nickless and his partner, Betty S. Conner; Jennifer L. Mobley; and Paul R. Nickless and his wife, Jean A. Nickless. She was preceded in death by two sons-in-law, W. Michael Garnett and Michael J. Mobley. She also is survived by eight grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Family members came from Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, and Washington to Richmond to celebrate her 100th birthday in August 2024. The highlight of the evening was an enthusiastic singing of the birthday song, following which "Meemaw" blew out all the candles and rose to the occasion with her gracious Southern hospitality, thanking everyone for their love and support. Her nephew, Charles F. "Chuck" Blanks, Jr., said it best, "Martha spread happiness to those in her sphere for a full century."

A private family gathering will be held this summer at Lake Gaston. Memorial donations in Martha's name to Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, 4401 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond, VA 23225, or to the Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa, Inc., PO Box 697, Swannanoa, NC 28778, will be appreciated.