Esther Nichols

Esther, age 89, of Newark, DE and formerly from Newport De and Martinsville VA went home on Monday, February 10, 2014.

Esther was the daughter of the late William Mckinley Riggs and Minnie Mae Riggs. She worked at several retail stores including Gaylord's, National Family and Wilmington Dry Goods and later worked in housekeeping at the Medical Center of Delaware, first at the Memorial Division and then at the Christiana Hospital. Esther also operated a Home Day Care in Gordy Estates from the early 1960's until 1973 where she was known as "Mommy Esther". She attended Peniel United Methodist Church and worked in the Sunday morning day care.

Esther was a member of the Garden Club of Martinsville, and was a homeroom mother from 1950 to 1973 at Krebs School. She was known for her cakes for weddings, birthdays and any celebration. Esther will be remembered as a mom and friend to everyone she met, and her door was always open to all.

Preceded in death was her husband of 47 years, Roy E. Nichols who passed in 1989; brothers, Melvin, Clyde, Clifton, Marshall and her sister, Thelma. She is survived by her children, Ronnie Nichols (Harriette) of Myrtle Beach, SC, Connie Marro (Michael) of Rehoboth Beach, DE, Dennis Nichols (Margaret) of Townsend, DE, Joyce Williamson (Bill) of Newark, De., Jeffrey Nichols (Deborah) of Bear, DE, nineteen grandchildren, thirty two great grandchildren, and one great great granddaughter.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 18 at 12 Noon at Peniel United Methodist Church, 115 East Market Street, Newport De 19804, where visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. A memorial reception will follow immediately after the service. Burial will be held at Roselawn Burial Park in Martinsville, Va on Friday, February 21.

The family would like to thank the caregivers, Janel Brown, Senior Care of Newark, and Churchman's Village. The family suggests contributions to Peniel United Methodist Church and St. Jude's Children Hospital.