Carrie Lee Ellis Shell Nichols

Carrie Lee Ellis Shell Nichols of Central Community, age 94, died peacefully in her sleep on March 10,2017, at NHC Healthcare. Mrs. Nichols was predeceased by her parents, Dayton and Lora (Perkins) Ellis, brother Blake Ellis, sister Betty Lou Honeycutt, her first husband Carl Shell, and her second husband Raymond C. Nichols. She was precious to many surviving family members: daughter Judy B. Shell Cole and beloved son-in-law Leslie W. Cole; three grandchildren Cheri Cole-Jenkins (Dale), Shonna Lee Cole, and Jason L. Cole (Amy); four great-grandchildren Carrie-Cate Rathgeb (Christopher), Leslie Jenkins Reed (Slocomb), Miriya Lee Bollenbacher, and John Bollenbacher; two great-great-grandchildren, Lennox and Zara Rathgeb; Mike Bollenbacher; and nieces, nephews, and cousins. We imagine that the place prepared for her in the great beyond resembles the many playful picnics we shared on Roan Mountain. We fondly remember her gifts as a homemaker, gardener, quilter, seamstress, and nurturer. She welcomed us all, family and friends, into her warm home?the big beautiful garden, the apple trees, the raspberry patch for pies and jam. Mrs. Nichols prided herself on overcoming adversity, becoming an electronics technician for Sperry and Raytheon and retiring from Unisys. She was active in PTA, VFW-Womens Axillary, ABWA, Eastern Star, and Central Community Christian Church, where she was a member and neighbor for most of her adult life. The family of Carrie Lee Ellis Shell Nichols will receive friends from 1 to 2 PM Monday, March 13, 2017, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2 PM with Todd Wolfe, Minister officiating. The graveside committal service will follow in the Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends.