Elissa Nichols (nee Sheets) died peacefully on Monday, November 10 at 2 pm Eastern time at St. Josephs/Candler Hospital in Savannah, GA. For those whose lives she touched, she is remembered for her positive approach to everything, her easy laugh, her strength, her fearlessness, and, most of all her uncanny ability to put a smile on the faces of all who met her. Elissa was born in the town of Richmond Heights near St. Louis, Missouri and lived there throughout her childhood while traveling extensively around the world. She left St. Louis to attend college at Indiana University where she studied Physical Therapy and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1966. After college, she moved back to St. Louis as a practicing physical therapist. It was there where she met and married the love of her life, James Nichols. He survives her, along with her two sons, Jason and Ryan Nichols, her brother Phillip Sheets and her grandchildren, Linnea, Kai and Hudson Nichols. To know Elissa was to love Elissa. All who knew her were moved by her joyful, positive nature, as well as her selflessness. As she and her family moved across the country, including New Jersey, Indiana, Florida, Ohio and Michigan, she immersed herself within each community to contribute as a parent, charity worker, hostess, and all around bon vivant. In 1997, Elissa and Jim retired to The Landings, a community on Skidaway Island just outside of Savannah, GA. As always, Elissa engaged the Landings’ community and quickly became an active figure within the social fabric of the Landings. From participating in the bell choir at her local church to organizing functions and events with and for others on the island, there were few who were not touched by Elissa’s generosity and contagious, upbeat nature. Her desire to help others defined her passions and pastimes. Aside from her travels with her many friends, she was a tireless volunteer, participating in many charitable organizations. Some of the organizations include: Neighbors Helping Neighbors, PEO, The 100 Club, Bear Gala, Park Place Outreach, Puppet shows at hospitals and schools, holding babies at Memorial Hospital, Friends of Music, and even managed the hospital gift shop in Midland, MI. Of course there were many other activities too numerous to name, but all of which she did with an unselfish zeal. A memorial service for Elissa will be held at the Skidaway Island United Methodist Church at 11:00am on Saturday, November 15, 2014. Immediately following the service there will be a reception in Fellowship Hall adjacent to the sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to any of the following charities in Elissa’s name: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - lls.org/waystohelp/donate/donateonline/ Cancer Research Institute - cancerresearch.org/how-you-can-donate-now The family would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers and the love they have shown to Elissa.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Nov 2014 21:43:25 +0000
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