Long time Harrisburg resident Cecil Mae Nichols died at her home on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.  She was 83 years of age.

Mrs. Nichols was born in Slater, MO, on September 7, 1941, the daughter of Wilbur and Winona (Holloway) Vernold.  Her family later lived near Harrisburg, MO, where she graduated from High School and became a member of Harrisburg Christian Church.

On June 14, 1959, Cecil Mae Vernold was united in marriage to Darrel Wayne Nichols at Smith Chapel Church near Rocheport.  They enjoyed 47 years together, until Mr. Nichols death in 2006. 

Mrs. Nichols was employed by the University of Missouri Medical Center as Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Surgery.  She retired from that position in 2004 after 21 years of service.  She was also Bookkeeper for the family business, Nichols Trucking and Grain Transportation.  In her spare time, she enjoyed traveling, playing cards, outdoor activities such as gardening, and work with various community activities including the Buddy Pack Program and serving as election judge.

Surviving Mrs. Nichols are four sons; Keith (Kyla) Nichols, of Houston, TX, Kerry (Cheryl) Nichols, Kurt (Debbie) Nichols, and Kevin (Maggie) Nichols, all of Harrisburg, MO.  Also surviving are eight grandchildren; Megan, Mitchell, Kyle, Christopher, Stephen, Sarah, Scott, and Austin.  Fifteen great-grandchildren also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister, Linda Haskamp.

Funeral services for Cecil Mae Nichols will be held at the Harrisburg Christian Church on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 11:00 AM with Rev. John Gillman officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 9:30 AM until the hour of service.  Burial will follow at the Harrisburg Cemetery with Caleb, Jordan, Scott, Austin, Chris, and Mitchell Nichols serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials to Harrisburg Christian Church or Central Missouri Food Bank can be directed to Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service; 174 Hwy. 5 & 240 North; Fayette, MO 65248.