Mary Nell Powers Nichols, 72, of Andrews, North Carolina went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 17, 2016.

A native and lifetime resident of Andrews, she was the daughter of the late Grady V. Powers and Mary Jo Tatham Powers. Mary Nell was a retired teacher assistant at Andrews Elementary School. She was on staff for 18 years. Mary Nell loved her job and especially loved all her students. Since retirement, she has been active with the Andrews United Methodist Women’s Group, served faithfully at The Welcome Table, delivered meals with Meals on Wheels, and was an active member and past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Andrews Chapter No. 15. Mary Nell loved the Andrews United Methodist Church and had much love and appreciation for Rev. Mary Brown.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a brother, Frederick M. Powers.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Gene A. “Pete” Nichols of the home; daughter, Kim Palmer and husband, Jeff of Asheville, North Carolina; son, Mark Nichols and wife, Tammy of Greenville, South Carolina; sister, Darlene Waldroup of Westminster, South Carolina. She is also survived by four grandchildren who were the special “gems” of her life, Mary Christina Palmer of Asheville, North Carolina, Jeffery Jack Palmer, II of Asheville, North Carolina, Randi Renay Graybeal of Nashville, Tennessee and Casey Graybeal of Chattanooga, Tennessee. She had many nieces and nephews and is survived by special niece, Debbie Powers Hicks, husband, W. Daniel Hicks, Jr. and son, William Trey Hicks, III.

The family will receive friends and family for visitation on Sunday, August 21, 2016 from 1 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Andrews. The service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Mary Brown officiating. A private graveside service for family will be held in Valleytown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Andrews United Methodist Church Life Center, PO Box 1310, Andrews, NC 28901.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.