Effie Green Nichols, 95, of Copper Hill, Va. Passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at her home.

Effie was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Jefferson Green and Nancy Jane Shaver Green. Other family members who predeceased Effie include her husband, Robert Sherman Nichols (whom she married in 1947); a son, James Neil Nichols; sisters, Esther Reed and Ruby Hurt; brother, Cletus Green; and a granddaughter, April Nichols Holt (Henry). Effie came from a large family, and siblings who preceded her in death include Oscar, Elijah, Luther, Moses, Mary, and Mittie.

Surviving children include her sons, Robert Stephen Nichols (Nancy), Harvey Sherman Nichols (Joan), Timothy Andrew Nichols (Susan), and Thomas Aldine Nichols (Faye). Effie is also survived by grandchildren, Jessica Gillespie, Andrew Nichols (Kimberly), Patrick Nichols (Corina), Michael Nichols (Jamie), and Lori Lowry (Mike), numerous great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. Effie is also survived by sisters-in-law, Ruth Nichols and Shirley Moyer.

Effie was baptized at age 11 in a pond near her home. She was a life-long member of Copper Hill Church of the Brethren where she was a member of the Ladies’ Aid Group, taught Sunday School and Bible School, and led the church choir. She attended Mount Pleasant School in Floyd County, and she later acquired her GED diploma and learner's permit for driving when she was in her 60s.

During World War II, Effie wrote and had published a song, “Little Girl Don’t Turn Me Down” (1943). She loved to cook and can meats, fruits and vegetables. She won a Blue Ribbon at the Salem Fair for her wonderful biscuits. During a conversation with Effie shortly after her 93^rd birthday, she revealed the following which “made her happy” – having company in her home, talking on the phone, going to church, going to “Smith’s Store,” selling produce at the Salem Farmers Market, making quilts and sewing, looking at cookbooks, and going to craft shows.

Effie was blessed in having devoted caretakers which allowed her to stay in her own home, including special friends, Rita Dalton, Barbara Taylor and Mary Anne Hodges.

Effie’s Funeral Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 13, 2023, at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren with Pastor Bill Hinton Sr. officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Food Bank in her memory. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.Oakeys.com.