Joann Nichols

JoAnn Marlene (Peters) Nichols, 76, of Danville, Ill., and formerly of Kingman, Ind., passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2013 at her home. Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 7, 2013, 4 to 8 pm, at Sunset Funeral Home, 3940 N Vermilion in Danville. A celebration of life will begin at 10 am at Connexion Church, 2915 Townway Rd. in Danville with burial at Coopers Chapel Cemetery in Veedersburg, Ind. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in JoAnns name to Connexion Church to benefit the Her House project. Condolences may be left at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com. She was born in Danville on July 29, 1937 to Minnie (Phillips) and James Peters. She lived as a child in Ieuka, Sidney, Salem and Villa Grove, Illinois, as well as Danville. She is survived by a sister Peggy Neil of Olney and brothers William (Ruth) Peters of Champaign, Mikel (Jessica Shipley) Peters of Salem and Jeffrey (Bev) Peters of Palm Coast, Fla. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, James M. Peters. At the age of 15, JoAnn started working at Steak n Shake on West Main as a curb hop, where she met Arthur Oliver (Art) Nichols. He was the love of her life. They were married on February 16, 1954 in Danville. He preceded her in death on November 2, 1989. Together they raised three children: Steven W. (Carol) Nichols of Danville, Kathryn J. (Mark) Goodner of Covington, Ind. and Denise Lynn (Mike) Lewis of Collison. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Michael D. (Angela) Goodner of Danville, Matthew D. (Brittany) Goodner of Danville, Ashley D. (Erick) Pece of Mooresville, N. Carolina, Cynthia J. N. (Gardner) Peck of Danville and Chelsea A. (Daniel) Wagoner of Hoopeston as well as two great-granddaughters Willow Grace Goodner and Caroline Marie Peck both of Danville. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life. She enjoyed attending their games, school programs and musical performances. It was important to her to be there for special moments in her loved ones lives. She embraced computer technology to stay in touch with all and was known online as “Surfin Granny.” She started and ended her day checking Facebook for family updates. In addition to Steak n Shake, she worked as a waitress at Connors Restaurant in Danville and retired from Covington Manor Nursing Home after 20 years of service. She also volunteered with Hospice. Through her work she developed relationships with people from all walks of life. People were drawn to her and felt comfortable sharing their confidences. Jo Ann was a faithful member of Connexion Church in Danville where she enjoyed the lively worship and messages by minister, Kurt Sovine. Kurt and his wife, Kimberly, were like family to her and were especially supportive during her recent battle with cancer. She was known in the church as “Miss JoAnn” or “Granny.” Everyones prayers helped her rise above the pain, giving her the strength to fight the good fight. JoAnn will be remembered as an encourager, always sending cards and letters to friends and family. Her sense of humor and honesty endeared her to all she met. Her life verse was Isaiah 40:31, “But, they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.”