Funeral services for Deborah Elaine Nichols, 58, of Many, were held on October 9, at First United Methodist Church in Many with the Reverends Elaine Burleigh and Steve Spears officiating. Burial followed in the Fort Jessup Cemetery in Many. Debbie passed away peacefully at her residence on October 5, 2015, after a long battle with colon cancer. A lifelong resident of Many, she was born on January 5, 1957 and is preceded in death by her parents, Truman D. Nichols and Elaine K. Nichols, and brother, Harry A. Nichols. A respected businesswoman, Debbie was the owner of Nichols Dry Goods Co. of Many. She knew from an early age that her family’s retail business would be her career of choice. As a child, she spent time in the stores, cleaning and stocking shelves, working the fireworks stand during holidays and adding numbers for her father in the warehouse. After graduating college, Debbie began her retail career alongside her father, who taught her how to be a merchandise buyer and eventually run the family business. She is survived by her nephews, Truman D. Nichols II and Heath Nichols; niece, Tracy Nichols Hudek; cousins, Sondra Irwin Stark, Layton L. “Rusty” Irwin, Jr. and wife, Pam, and their children, Tricia Irwin Busceme, Layton Irwin and Hugh Irwin, Colleen Irwin Pinder and Sharon Royer; fiancé, Elwyn Walker and his children, Ashley W. Culbertson and husband, Greg, and children, and Brittany W. Richardson and husband, Matt; along with a host of friends. Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Layton Irwin, Hugh Irwin, Kyle Murray, Phillip Kellogg, Greg Culbertson, Matt Richardson and Curt Carver. Debbie will be missed by many but none more than by the management and associates of Nichols stores. She was a wonderful boss, mentor and friend to all who had the pleasure to work for her or know her. The legacy left by her grandfather, father and herself will live on.
July 16, 2026
