Shelby "Jean" Nichols

Shelby "Jean" Nichols, 84, of Sasser, Georgia, passed away peacefully at her residence on Friday, May 29, 2026. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Mathews Funeral Home at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow to Thundering Springs Cemetery. Dr. Morris Harp will officiate.

Born in Lee County, Georgia, Jean was the beloved daughter of the late Ted Gilley and Alice Clark Gilley. She attended Lee County Schools and, while still young, met the love of her life and soulmate, Julius Nichols. Together they shared an extraordinary love story that spanned 68 years, building a life centered on faith, family, and devotion to one another.

Jean was a dedicated wife and mother whose greatest joy was caring for her family. She devoted her life to raising her daughters, always ensuring they were where they needed to be and supporting them in every activity and endeavor. Her home was a place of warmth, comfort, and unconditional love. She had a special affection for animals and found great happiness tending to her flowers and gardens. Jean also enjoyed sewing, shopping, and spending time doing the things she loved with those she cherished most.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ted Gilley and Alice Clark Gilley, her siblings, Wayne Gilley, Mavis Cameron, Vernelle Skates-Simmons, Maybelle McPherson, Truman Gilley and Francis Lewis.

Survivors include her beloved husband, Julius Nichols of Sasser, GA; her daughters, Tracey Rieker (Scott) of Tallahassee, FL, Laura Nichols of Ellaville, GA, Linda Fincher (Clay) of Moreland, GA, April McConnell (Roger) of Leesburg, GA; her grandchildren, Matthew Coxwell, Kelli Rieker, Allison “Maria” Coxwell, Ryan Herrington, Kevin Rieker, Taylor McConnell, and Lee McConnell; nine great-grandchildren; her siblings, Robert “Buddy” Gilley (Virginia), Annette Gilley, and Jeanette Gilley.

The family will have a visitation one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at Mathews Funeral Home.