Wanda Nichols

Wanda Nichols

Wanda Pha Nichols, age 88, of Abilene passed away on March 28, 2024 in Abilene. Visitation will be 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, March 31^st, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, April 1^st at The Hamil Family Funeral Home with Paden Goettsch officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Phantom Hill Cemetery.  Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

Wanda was born in Truby, Texas to JD and Vera Mae Cooley on October 11^th, 1935. She graduated from Hawley High School and went on to Draughon Business School. Wanda went on a blind date and met the love of her life, Doyal Nichols.  They married on September 7^th, 1957, at the Methodist Church in Hawley.  They shared 45 years together. Wanda worked as a secretary for Perry Hunter Hall.  After staying home with four children she decided to return to work and became a secretary with the Abilene Independent School District where she enjoyed working for over 30 years.  Wanda was a member of the Secretary’s Group, an active member of Elmwood West United Methodist Church, involved in Boy Scouts, Brownies, PTA, Little League Baseball, and a devoted Band mother.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Doyal Nichols, father JD Cooley, mother Vera Mae Cooley, brother Danny Cooley, and daughter Lisa Simpson.

Wanda is survived by daughter, Gina Goettsch, husband Greg, Joe Nichols, wife Connie, Danny Nichols, wife Traci. Grandchildren Olivia Nichols, Paden Goettsch, Kyle Simpson, Amanda Newman, Melissa Ruelas,  Wyatt Goettsch and Kylee Nichols. Great grandchildren Scarlet, Grayson, Emmett, Parker, Ellie, and Lillian.   Sisters Peggy Snell and Tricia Fisher.

Pallbearers will be Cliff Snell, David Davis, Damon Cooley, Michael Nichols, Scott Fisher, and Jayson Nichols.

Memorials may be given to Hendrick Hospice of Abilene or American Cancer Society. The family of Wanda Nichols wish to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff and nurses at Mesa Springs Healthcare Center.   A special recognition to Ellen Daugherty and Ma Glenda Floyd for going above and beyond in the care they provided.   In addition, a sincere thanks and gratitude to Hendrick Hospice for their guidance, patience, comfort, and support. A special recognition to Sarah Smith for the compassion, devotion and the care she provided.