Obituary of Theola Manassa Nichols

Theola Manassa Nichols, 48, of Portage, MI, departed this life on Monday, December 27, 2021 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI. Theola was born April 26, 1973 in Kalamazoo to Hanna Nichols and Rickie Darden, both of Kalamazoo. She graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 1992, and later attended Davenport College where she studied fashion. Over the course of her career, Theola established herself as a hardworking, industrious individual. She held jobs at Georgia Pacific, ROI Nursing Home, and most recently, Walmart, where she was employed as an overnight stocker. At a young age, Theola accepted Christ into her heart. Her genuine love and compassion for others were testaments to her character. She was a gracious and kindhearted individual, who was known for her peaceful disposition. Theola loved everyone. Most importantly, she believed in treating all people with kindness, dignity and respect. Not only did Theola have a warm heart, but she was also an intelligent woman, who loved writing in her journals and reading the news. She was full of life and creativity. Among her many passions, she enjoyed sewing, shopping, and decorating. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her beloved family. Whenever there was an opportunity, she went out of her way to make them happy. Seeing the smiles on their faces always brought her great delight. Theola leaves to cherish her fondest memories in the hearts of her two children: Edris (Mary) Nichols of Orlando, FL., and Shariyah Travier-Nichols of Portage; her five grandchildren: Alana Nichols, Edriana Nichols, Akayla Nichols, Alyssa Nichols (children of Edris Nichols), and Kay’lani Cunningham (daughter of Shariyah Travier-Nichols); her parents Hanna Nichols and Rickie(Teresa) Darden, both of Kalamazoo; her brothers: Khamisi Johnson of Kalamazoo, Damese Johnson of Kalamazoo, Dontrail Johnson of Chicago, Steven (Keneisha) Darden of Kalamazoo, Daniel (Chaka) Darden of Kalamazoo; her sister Brittany Darden of Kalamazoo, and her godmother Dawn Kirk. Theola was preceded in death by her grandmothers Theola Nichols and Manessa Darden; her great grandmother Hannah Stevenson, and her great grandfather Joseph Stevenson.