Mary Blanche Nichols, age 94, passed from this life on Tuesday, May 25th, 2021, in her home surrounded by her family in Columbia, Tennessee. She was born on September 16th, 1926, in Scottsville, Kentucky to the late Howard and Myrtle Goad Jones.
She met her husband, William “Bill” Edward Lantz, and was swept off her feet and later married in 1948. Soon after, they were overjoyed to welcome their daughter, Merijoy. Mary and Bill would take their daughter on many trips. Mary’s most memorable trip was her first adventure to New York City with her daughter. Mary and Merijoy carried this tradition for many years.
After the passing of her first husband, Bill, Mary B. got a second chance of love after getting to know her neighbor, Marvin Nichols. He brought happiness back into her life. They lived everyday to it’s fullest as they would laugh, travel, and just enjoyed being together.
Mary B. was known for her warm spirit, welcoming smile, funny sense of humor, and her spunk. She was so generous with her time, helping elderly citizens, cooking for them, visiting, and taking them to their doctor’s appointments, anything she could do to make their time a little nicer.
Mary B. harnessed the wonderful skill of embroidery, sewing, crocheting, and quilting. She made beautiful pieces of clothing and quilts all for the people she loved but for her daughter especially. Merijoy has a collection of stunning quilts and a closet full of clothes handcrafted with her mother’s love.
Mary B. is survived by her devoted daughter, Merijoy Rucker; sister-in-law; and two nephews.
Mary B. is preceded in death by both husbands: William Edward Lantz and Marvin Nichols; two brothers: Johnson Jones and Harry Jones; son-in-law: Rodney Rucker; and her parents.
Williams Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be given to the family by visiting www.williamsfh.com.
