Jean Draughn Nichols

Barbara “Jean” Draughn Nichols, passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2023, after an extended illness with her family at her side.

A graveside service to celebrate Jean’s life will be held Sunday, 2:00 PM, at Maplewood Cemetery, with Rev. Dr. Chris Thomas officiating.

Born in Wilson County on February 12, 1938, she was the only child of the late John Henry Draughn and Caroline Josephine Whitmore Draughn.

Jean was raised in Wilson and attended Wilson County Schools. She was a proud member of the Charles L. Coon High School Class of 1956. After High school, she attended the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina and graduated from Atlantic Christian College in 1960 with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Education. Jean began her teaching career in Wilson County Schools and retired in Orange Park, Florida after teaching kindergarten for over 30 years. An exceptional teacher, she was recognized as Teacher of the Year and her teaching colleagues were some of her dearest friends. She also maintained strong ties to many students and their families.

After retirement, Jean moved back to her beloved hometown of Wilson, where she reconnected with friends and cared for her parents with much love and devotion. Jean was a faithful and devout Christian and longtime member of First Baptist Church where she was active in Sunday School and church groups. She also spent time at her beach house in Emerald Isle where she enjoyed her children and grandchild, walking on the beach and going on the boat. She loved being outdoors, working in the yard, dancing, traveling, sitting on the porch, bird watching, and caring for her greatest joy and light of her life, her family.

As a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother and friend, she will be remembered for her gentle spirit, kind ways, courage, grace, warm smile and heart of gold. Jean was truly the heart of her family.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Wendy Nichols Anderson and husband, Todd of Wilson; granddaughter, Caroline Thorne Anderson of Wilson; cousin, Bobby Draughn of Isle of Palms, SC; and her dog and loyal companion, Whitmore “Whit”.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Henry Draughn and Caroline Whitmore Draughn; her son, John Whitmore Nichols; her former spouse of 32 years Romer Clarence Nichols; many aunts and uncles; and cousins, Billy Draughn, Bucky Draughn and Frank Davis.

The family would like to thank her caregivers, the staff of Parkwood Village and Gentiva Home Health and Hospice of Wilson.

Memorials may be directed in Jean’s memory to First Baptist Church, PO Box 1467, Wilson NC 27894.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr N, Wilson, NC 27896; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com; 252-237-7171