Joan Marie (Bowles) Nichols

Joan Marie Bowles Nichols was born to the blessed union of Lucian Bowles and Lassie Martin Bowles on January 30, 1935. 

She transitioned after a long and full life on March 28, 2024 at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville with her loving family by her side. 

She was a faithful member of Eastview Missionary Baptist Church where she confessed her belief in Christ and was baptized at an early age. Joan served at Eastview in many capacities throughout the years: Youth Choir pianist, usher board, VBS teacher, and the culinary department.  

Joan graduated from Kentucky State College in 1962 with a degree in education.  After graduation she was employed by the Hopkins County Board of Education and taught nine years at Branch Street Elementary School and 28 years at West Broadway Elementary School. Joan’s professional affiliations and accomplishments include: Member of the Kentucky State University Alumni Association, Kentucky Association of Teachers and Educators, Second District Education Association, Kentucky Education Association Retired, National Education Association Retired, and Hopkins County Retired Teachers. 

She was voted Outstanding Teacher of The Year by her colleagues, A Woman of Note by the Hopkins County Historical Society, Certificate of Recognition at Rosenwald School, and Outstanding Alumni of Kentucky State University in 2013. 

Joan loved cooking, baking, traveling, scrap booking, and watching sports. 

Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Charles Raymond Nichols Sr. in 2016. 

Also preceding her in death were her parents, sisters; Fannie Mae Slaton and Mary Louise “Sis”Johnson-Brothers; Virgil Woodson Bowles, Willie Bee Bowles, Harry Gene Bowles Sr., Robert Stroud Bowles, and three siblings in infancy. 

She leaves behind to cherish her loving memories four sons; Dr. Charles “Randy” Nichols (Karen) of Louisville, KY. Steward T. Nichols (Freda) of Atlanta, Ga., Reginald S. Nichols of Madisonville, Ky. and Lucian M. Nichols of Lexington, Ky; five grandchildren; Michael-Lyn Watters, Sean Thomas Nichols, Chelsea Nichols, Danielle Nichols, and Tayshaun Nichols; one great-granddaughter; Nai’Emah Watters; a healthy host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and a special devoted friend Barbara Atkins of Madisonville.

Joan was very much loved by her family and friends and will be truly missed! 

Her life will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Saturday April 6, 2024 at Eastview Missionary Baptist Church in Madisonville. 

The Reverend LaBarron F. McAdoo Jr. will eulogize. 

Burial will be in Westside Odd Fellows Cemetery in Madisonville. 

Visitation and wake services will be from 11:00 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church. 

The service will be live-streamed for viewing on Elliott-Bowles Mortuary facebook page. 

Elliott-Bowles Mortuary in Madisonville is in charge of her professional services and arrangements. 

Condolences to the family may be share at www.elliottmortuarycares.com.

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