Mrs. Helen Nichols Thomas, 87, of Andalusia, passed away Fri., Jan. 8, 2010, in the Florala Nursing Facility.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Keahey Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Tim Trent officiating. Interment followed in Andalusia Memorial Cemetery with Keahey Funeral Home directing.
Mrs. Thomas graduated from Red Level High School. She received her bachelor’s degree from Troy State Teachers College and a master’s degree from Peabody in Nashville, Tenn. She taught school in Alabama, Florida, Illinois and Tennessee. Her last 25 years she taught in Columbia, Tenn.
Mrs. Thomas moved back to Andalusia in 2004 to be near her brother. She was very active in the First United Methodist Church in Columbia, Tenn., and in Andalusia. She also belonged to many organizations. She was an avid golfer and enjoyed fishing, hunting and traveling. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.
Survivors include one brother, Bryon (Betty) Dewitt Nichols of Andalusia; a sister-in-law, Mary Lou Nichols of Red Level; a step-son, Frank (Barbara) Thomas; a step-granddaughter, Tina; a step-grandson, Steve; two nieces, Connie Seale and Penny Gregson; one nephew, Larry Nichols; and a very good friend since college days, Frances Hattaway.
Mrs. Thomas married her first husband, Robert W. Farley, in 1942. Mr. Farley owned and operated Farley Roofing Company until his death. Mr. Farley passed away in 1951 from injuries he received in World War II. Later she married John L. Thomas, a grocer who died in 1994.
Others who preceded her in death were her mother, Ima C. Chesser Nichols; her father, George B. Nichols; and her brother, Jackie L. Nichols, who was killed in the Korean War.
Pallbearers were John Croft, Bill Patton, Carrol Mullis, Jack Reichert, John Howard and Kylan Lewis.
Those who were unable to attend the services can sign the online guest registry at keaheyfuneralhome.com.