July 11, 2023, 82, Goldsboro —
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted…
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
Joseph Frederick Nichols was born May 31, 1941, to the late John and Katie Davis Nichols in Johnston County, Smithfield, North Carolina. He is the fourth child of ten children. He answered his call peacefully on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, to be with his Lord and Savior.
Joseph attended Johnston County Training School and Johnston Community College where he received his certificate in nursing. He devoted 38 years of nursing to Johnston Memorial Hospital helping people, which he dearly loved. He was also employed With Quality Farm Equipment (John Deer) and as a Foreman at Pillar Tobacco Company and Cotton Gin.
He was married to Jo Ann Pitt Nichols on April 16, 1977, for forty-six great and wonderful years, where they enjoyed most everything together except fishing. God blessed them with two beautiful children to this union.
On January 23, 1988, Joseph joined Elm Grove Church Ministries and worked faithfully with the Nurse’s Aide and the Usher Board since December 1, 2001. He thoroughly enjoyed working in these ministries as well as loved the Lord, his family, and his friends. He just loved people and enjoyed doing anything he could to help anyone.
Joseph was quiet, most of the time, but when he spoke, you moved because he spoke with authority and wisdom. He thoroughly enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching TV, reading, FISHING, and visiting the sick and shut-in, especially the elderly.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters: Dorothy Blake, Annie Mason, and Peggy Smith; three brothers: Charles Nichols, John Nichols, and Overseer Norman Nichols.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Jo Ann Pitt Nichols, of the home; one son, Cecil Frederick Nichols of Burlington, North Carolina; and one daughter, Joey Rochelle Nichols of the home; an adopted son and daughter, John Reinier and Karren Cotton; one sister, Chalsea Hutchinson (Larry) of Reston, VA; two brothers, Aaron Nichols (Christean) of Baltimore, MD; and Stanley Nichols (Seleta) of White Plains, MD; his father-in-law Deacon James Cooper; six-brothers-in-law: Jerry Smith, Victor, Anthony, and Kenneth Cooper, Greg, and Darrion Jones; four sisters-in-law: Betty and Sherlena Nichols, Constance C. McDonald and Shelia Jones; one uncle: Clarence Davis (Laura) of Lombard, IL; adopted brother and sister: Pete and Paula Holden; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.
The funeral service will be held Monday, July 17, 2023, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro. Burial will follow at Wayne Memorial Park North in Goldsboro. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 10 until 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.
Professional services are entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
