ROCKINGHAM — Bonnie Helene Springer Nichols, loved by most as simply “Mema,” 92, of Rockingham, passed away peacefully Monday, June 8, 2020 in the home she and her late husband Zach built together 70 years ago.
She was born June 12, 1927 in Richmond County, a daughter of the late James A. and Phebe G. Springer of Marston. Helene was a faithful member of Zion United Methodist Church. She worked at Carolina Power & Light for a number of her younger years, but her greatest job was being “Mema” to her children, grandchildren, and anyone who was lucky enough to walk through her door. Everyone was welcome at Mema and Papa’s, whether it be 3 in the afternoon or 3 in the morning, and you always left with a full belly, a full heart, and a story to tell.
Funeral services and burial will be conducted Thursday, June 11 at 3 p.m. at Zion United Methodist Church cemetery in the outdoors that she so loved. The Rev. Brian Perry will officiate. In true Mema fashion, visitation/celebration of life will be held at the home after the funeral.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Zach Credle Nichols “PaPa.” In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, James Andrew Springer Jr; and two very special pets, bluebird Petey-Bill, and her longtime “guard dog” Rex, who passed away two days before she did.
Surviving are her children, Bonnie Nichols Entwistle and her husband Ray of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Zachary Springer Nichols of Rockingham, Albert Sidney Nichols of Rockingham, and Maynie Nichols Voss and her husband Randal of Lexington, Kentucky; grandchildren, Elizabeth Entwistle Lowery and her husband Chris of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Morgan Entwistle Dawkins and her husband Greg of Rockingham, George Parker “Buck” Entwistle III and his wife Carly of Pinehurst, Taylor Helene Grace Nichols of Rockingham, Emma Voss McDaniel and her husband Sean of Chicago, Illinois, Brinna Victoria Voss and Stephen Cole Voss of Lexington, Kentucky; great-grandchildren Kellen Kai Lowery, Keegan Ruth Lowery, and Emory Cole Lowery of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and the soon-to-be George Hampton Entwistle of Pinehurst.
The family wished to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to her caregivers Joni, Lisa, Melinda “Mo,” and others who became family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Zion United Methodist Church at 128 Zion Church Road, Rockingham, NC 28379 or to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 N. US Hwy 1, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Condolences may be made online at www.carterfuneral.net.
