Reba Nichols, age 99, of Sulphur Springs, Texas passed away on October 5, 2025. She was born on September 15, 1926, in the Morris Grove Community of Winnsboro, Texas, to Roy Young and Ara Reeves Young. It was there that she met the love of her life and husband of 62 years, Jim Matt Nichols. She moved to Port Neches, Texas, during World War II, and after the war, that is where she and Jim made their home. Reba was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Port Neches for many years as a Sunday School teacher, Director of Youth Training Union, Vacation Bible School teacher, and church Director of Hospitality.
Her professional career included working as a seamstress in the business she and Jim owned, as a florist, medical microfilm archivist, and medical office manager. She studied art at Lamar Tech, Louisiana Tech, and in Rome, Italy, which led to many first-place ribbons at art shows. Reba was a very gifted and talented person who raised prize-winning roses and won many awards for floral arranging, was a milliner well-known for her creative designs, was known to be the “hostess with the moistest,” a 200 bowler, an outstanding golfer, and an excellent bridge player. She and Jim traveled extensively, both in the United States and abroad.
After retiring in 1993, Reba and Jim moved to Sulphur Springs, Texas, where they became active in the First Baptist Church as members of the Joy Sunday School Class, the Silvertone Choir, and the Diamond Set. Reba was an active member of TOPS and The Red Hat Society. Perhaps one of her greatest joys in life came when, at the age of 92, she began making fabric bags for the children of CASA.
Her devotion to God, family, and friends was at the center of her world. She never lost her zest for life! Survivors include daughter Sandra Hill of Sulphur Springs, son-in-law John Clayton and friend Mary Nye of San Marcos, grandson Chris Clayton and wife Priscilla, great-grandchildren Grace and William Clayton of Houston, Kathy Zeglin of Highlands, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jim Nichols, daughter, Lynda Clayton, and sister, Ila Dunavant.
Services are scheduled at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at West Oaks Funeral Home. Interment will follow the service at Lee Cemetery in Winnsboro, Texas.
Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. www.westoaksfuneralhome.com
