Shirley Nichols

Shirley Dawn Medlin Nichols, 91, formally of Concord, NC and most recently of Clayton, North Carolina, passed away on April 19th, 2023, after fighting a ferocious battle with Cancer. She is proceeded in death by her husband Bill Nichols, who passed in 2002. Shirley was born July 17th, 1931, to Frank and Belle Medlin in Concord North Carolina. Shirley was the youngest of four siblings, Norwood, Hilyard, and Cecil Medlin. She grew up in the Hartsell Mill area of Concord and played sports in high school and graduated from Hartsell High School. After high school she went to college and later went to work as an executive secretary at Sealtest Milk in Charlotte. It was during this time she met her husband, Bill Nichols. Bill was a North Carolina State Trooper stationed in Cabarrus County. When Shirley had a flat tire, a mutual friend who owned a service station called Bill that day and told him he wanted to introduce him to a beautiful woman who was stranded at his business. Bill headed over immediately and from that day on, it was Bill and Shirley.

Several years and two children later, Shirley went to work for Epworth United Methodist Church where over a 32-year career history, she served alongside 7 pastors, from 1966 until 1998. Epworth and the congregation meant the world to Shirley. She was a member of the Choir, and for 30 years, she played with the Handbell Choir. She enjoyed working the Epworth Hot Dogs sales each Thursday with her special friends who also served. Shirley was proud to be a member of the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries where she served as an Officer in the Salisbury district for the Wesleyan conference. She was very proud to serve as an Officer for the United Methodist Women, and she served as the Secretary of the Cabarrus County ECU Club. Lastly, she was a member of the Red Hat Club, of which she made many wonderful friends and enjoyed having great times together. Years earlier, she served as both a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, and as a Cub Scout Leader, and Troop Organizer.

Shirley and Bill had two children, Billie Dawn Nichols Wathen, (husband Larry), and William Marcus Nichols, (wife Teena), all of whom reside in Clayton, NC. A grandson, William Clifford Nichols, (wife Katlyn), and granddaughter, Charlotte Elizabeth Nichols, and best friend and sister-in-law, Eunice Medlin of Concord. And the pride and joy of her life, a great-granddaughter, Noelle Elyse Nichols. Shirley loved her family dearly, her church, and her Lord with all she had. Even in her final days she could be heard telling the story of Christ. She was the best example of a true Christian lady up to her last breath.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 1030 Burrage, Rd, in Concord North Carolina 28025. The service will begin at 2:30pm. Memorials may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church, in Shirley's name.