Elzie Nichols
Age - 95
November 29, 2023
Graveside services for Elzie Allen Nichols will be held at 1:00 p. m. , Saturday, December 2, 2023, with Reverend Jacob Allen Nichols and Mr. Josh Jones officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, under the direction of Hixson Brothers, Alexandria. Mr. Allen Nichols, a distinguished United States Army veteran and beloved member of our community, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2023, at the age of 95. Born on February 26, 1928, Mr. Nichols lived a life dedicated to service and education. Mr. Nichols proudly served in the United States Army during World War II. He was in uniform when Japan surrendered in August 1945. Recognizing his potential, the Army assigned him to a special wartime program at Texas A&M University, where he further honed his skills and knowledge. During his service in the Army, Mr. Nichols was transferred to the Alaskan Territory where he continued his service to his beloved America. In his pursuit of knowledge, Mr. Nichols utilized the G. I. Bill to attend Louisiana College, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Education, and soon attended LSU, earning his Master's Degree in 1956. Equipped with his academic achievements, he embarked on a fulfilling career in education, beginning as a history teacher at Bolton High School. He then became assistant principal and principal of Alexandria Jr High. His passion for teaching and leadership ultimately led him to serve as the Superintendent of Schools for Rapides Parish for an impressive tenure of 27 years. During his time as Superintendent, Mr. Nichols spearheaded numerous positive changes in Rapides Parish education. From navigating the challenges of desegregation along with Sidney Townsend, Claude Davis, Travis Funderburk, Eugene Millet, Arthur Smith, Richard Sasser and Levator Boyd, to implementing the California Achievement Test (CAT) as a standard for measuring academic improvement, his dedication and vision transformed the educational landscape of Rapides Parish. Mr. Nichols was a firm believer in academic accountability through national standardized tests, and high goals were set. The principals and teachers were cooperative in achieving these test goals, and in three years, the ACT and CAT scores in Rapides Parish rose from below the state average to 3rd on the ACT and to first on the 6th grade CAT score. Mr. Nichols began first grade at Collins School, a one room school house, in Wilda, LA with no electricity, running water, or indoor toilets. He credits teachers, Caroline Compton and Alice Abington, with teaching him more in first grade than any other year because he observed, and learned what was being taught to the older students. Allen Nichols grew up moving 12 times and attending numerous schools. He credits these many moves and changes with helping him immensely as Superintendent to understand the different priorities between the rural and the urban areas of Rapides Parish. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Elzie Allen Nichols was a devoted husband to his wife, Mary Ann Wilson Nichols. Their loving partnership was a source of strength and support throughout their 73 years of marriage. Mr. Nichols was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria, and taught a men's bible study for 14 years, and also served as the Troop 12 scoutmaster for three years. His favorite hobby was gardening and bass fishing with his son, Darrell. He was preceded in death by his parents, John B. and Alice May Allen Nichols; brothers, John B. Nichols, Jr. and Billy Joy Nichols; and sister, Helen Mills Richard. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Mary Ann Nichols; sons, Mark Allen Nichols and wife, Nancy Blackwell Nichols, David Darrell Nichols and wife, Cheryl Haire Nichols; daughters, Mimi N. Close and husband, Dr. Ben B. Close, Nancy Lynn Berry and husband Dr. Brent Berry; sister, Betty Jo McLemore; ten grandchildren, Katie Sillivan (Brandon), Andrew Nichols, Jacob Nichols, Tori Jones (Josh), Kyle Close (Lydia), Jackson Close (Mary Madison), Trixie Zhang (Jing), Josh Nichols (Ashton), Brittany Bigby (Hayden), Nick Berry and five great grandchildren, Tyson, Evelyn, and Nolan Sillivan, Mills Jones, and Oliver Bigby; and a host of other family members and friends. Pallbearers will be Kyle Close, Jackson Close, Andrew Nichols, Jacob Nichols, Josh Nichols, Nick Berry, Hayden Bigby, Brandon Sillivan, and Josh Jones. Honorary pallbearers will be Marvin Thiels, Dr. Mike Collins, Roosevelt Johnson, Jim Hanna, Joe Moreau, and Aubrey Sanders. As we mourn the loss of this remarkable individual, we also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind. Mr. Nichols' unwavering commitment to service, education, and community has touched countless lives and will continue to inspire generations to come. Elzie Allen Nichols will forever be remembered as a true hero, scholar, and leader. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul rest in eternal peace. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Calvary Baptist Church Boy Scout Troop 12, 5011 Jackson Street, Alexandria, Louisiana 71303 or a charity of your choice.Show more
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