Bobbie Jean Nichols

Bobbie Jean Kirby Nichols passed away on October 12, 2024, at the age of 74. She was born June 20, 1950, in Hamlin, Texas to Robert Kirby Jr. and Olivia Hall Kirby. She graduated from McCaulley High School in 1968 as a Salutatorian. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from McMurry University. Bobbie Jean married Jimmy Nichols in 1977. Bobbie Jean later returned to her alma mater in McCaulley, Texas to begin her teaching career. She continued her teaching career at Loraine ISD before retiring. She later moved to Abilene, Texas and returned back to what she loved, and worked as a substitute teacher. During this time, she also worked at the Noah Project as Child Advocate.

She had a servant heart to care for and mentor others, but her biggest blessing she would always say was her loving family. She considered her children, grandchildren and her passion for teaching her biggest accomplishment.

She accepted Christ at an early age while growing up in the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Hamlin, Texas and later attending New Fellowship Baptist Church in Abilene, Texas where she was an usher, taught Sunday school, and was on the church finance committee. 

Bobbie Jean Kirby Nichols was preceded in death by her father Robert Kirby Jr., Mother Olivia Kirby, sister Willie Faye Kirby, brother Larry Marshall, brother John Charles Marshall, and husband Jimmy Nichols Sr.

She is survived by her children Jimmy Nichols Jr (Brinda)of Plano, Texas, Julius Nichols (Christi) of Waco, Texas, Ricky Dawson (Tasha)of Waco, Texas, Carol Gindratt (Maurice) of Abilene, Texas, and Robert Nichols (Amanda) of San Antonio, Texas, Goddaughter Rev. Renea Ervine (Bo) of Abilene; grandchildren Amber Gindratt, Brittany Nichols, Nathan Nichols, Jazmyn Gindratt, and Brittney Norman; great grandchildren MaryAnna Kirk, Titus Kirk, and Brinlee Rose Norman, sister Mary Ann Coleman of Abilene, TX, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, students, and friends who loved her. 

Bobbie Jean’s passing has left an enormous hole in the lives of those who love her, but her legacy of love, servitude, mentorship, and faith will carry on in the many lives she touched.