Maureen O’Connor Nichols, age 69, of Grove Hill, went peacefully to be with her Redeemer Tuesday, January 26, 2021. She was born on December 6, 1951 in Mobile Alabama to James and Louise O’Connor, née VanLandingham. Maureen attended B.C. Rain High school in Mobile, Alabama. She then attended the University of Alabama, where she played clarinet in the Million Dollar Band, and University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she earned multiple nursing degrees. She moved to Grove Hill shortly after college to begin her life’s work as a nurse practitioner with the Alabama Department of Public Health until her retirement in 2009.
Maureen enjoyed reading, playing the clarinet, optimism, and sub-par gardening. In addition to being a devout Christian, she was also a practicing frugalist. She found practicality in everything. She disliked imprudence, T.J. Hooker theme music, and being tested for COVID.
Maureen was a member of Grove Hill Baptist Church where she diligently served as librarian for several years. One Sunday, during church, in 1980, she caught the eye of fellow church member Billy Nichols, who was twenty years her senior. Despite their age difference, the two were married in 1981 after a short courtship. Honoring their vows to each other, they remained married for thirty nine years until death parted them.
She is survived by her loving husband, Billy, son Van and his future wife Alisha Moore and her children Addison and Collins Moore, sister Kathy Torchia (Jim), brother Jim O’Connor, half-brother Van York (Denise), half-sister Betty Bade, and several nieces and nephews.
Services honoring Maureen will be Friday, January 29, 2021 at Grove Hill Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 1:15 pm until the service begins at 2:00 pm with Bro. Davis K. Curtis and Bro. Russell Wright officiating. Interment will follow at Magnolia Lawn Cemetery.
Active Pallbearers will be Karl Hawsey, Matthew Hawsey, Sam Curtis, Keegan Hamilton, J.W. Reeves, Tracy Newton.
Honorary pallbearers will be Joy Sunday School Class.
Condolences may be offered at www.lathanfuneralhome.com.