E. Marie Nichols

Ellen Marie Nichols (aka E. Marie, or Marie) passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the age of 84. She was surrounded by her loving family in the moment of her passing and had many family and friends there just moments before her death. She was laughing, and singing, but most of all knowing she was loved.

Marie was born in St. Francis Kansas to Raymond and Eva (Cooper) Edmonds on July 14, 1941. She is the 5th of 6 children in that family. She is survived by 2 sisters, Ruby Silver and Phyllis Black, and one sister-in-law, Marilyn Edmonds. Her siblings Alice Polly, Lyle Edmonds and Neil Edmonds preceded her in death.

She is also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wilber “Nick” Floyd Nichols, her son Wesley Beard, her stepdaughter, Jeannette Elmblade, and an infant grandson Jacob Beard.

Marie is survived, as well, by her daughter, Mollie Williams, and her 2 stepdaughters, Claudette Nichols-Croce (Joey) and Layli Nichols. Also, lovingly survived by 14 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. She left this beautiful legacy of love that extended not only to biology, but the young people in the community in which she lived.

Marie started her career in social work nearly as soon as she was out of high school. With no college education, she worked her way up the ranks and spent most of her career working for the State of Oregon as a case manager and a Business Service Supervisor for the Oregon Welfare system, and then later at LCOG, Senior and Disabled Services. She was passionate about and proud of her career.

She was a member of the Community of Christ Church since she was a young girl. She held many responsibilities in that church from typing bulletins, choir directing in the Bend congregation, as well as being the auditor for the Eugene congregation several times, among other tasks. She loved her church family and truly enjoyed the visits she would get from congregants and clergy alike, when it became too difficult for her to get to services.

Her physical self was laid to rest on March 19 at Springfield Memorial Gardens by family. Her celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 1:00pm at the Community of Christ Church, 1485 Gilham Rd, Eugene, Oregon. There will be a reception to follow, with snacks provided, so we can share in the laughter, love, stories and memories of this beautiful woman. You are most welcome to attend.