07/03/2025
Gloria Jean “Jeannie” Wike Nichols was born November 10, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Mary Francis Watson Wike and Jesse McClain Wike. She departed this life June 29, 2025. Jeannie grew up in Marked Tree Arkansas, graduated from Marked Tree High School and then attended for two years, Mississippi State College for Women. At the age of 14, she met the love of her life Harold Jay Nichols, whom she later married in 1960, a union of which two daughters Penny and Amy were born.
Harold and Jeannie co-owned and operated the Sears Catalog Store at Marked Tree for more than 25 years. While operating the Sears Store in Marked Tree, you were always greeted with a hometown sense of genuineness and authenticity. Many children had their first encounter with Santa Claus there during the Christmas season.
Later Jeannie purchased and operated the Merle Norman Franchise in her beloved hometown of Marked Tree. Moving on to Sears again, Jeannie worked in the Jonesboro store and later at Rowsey Furniture. Her final job at Marked Tree School involved assisting with special needs classes and children where she made hundreds of toboggans and gave them away to the children. Jeannie enjoyed the simple things in life, like crocheting and watching the hummingbird’s feed.
As her faith was very dear to her, she taught the Baptist women’s Sunday School Class for over 40 years and volunteered with the youth and nursery.
Living on the St. Francis River you could find Jeannie and Harold undertaking some project in the garden or raising various animals and fishing. Friends of Penny and Amy were always welcome to participate, play, visit, and fish along the river. Ever with a sense of humor you could find Jeannie sharing conversations and bountiful laughter with those she encountered.
Jeannie is preceded in death by her husband Harold, their daughter Penny Lynn Nichols, her sister Peggy Ruth Wike Bankston, her brother Dr. Richard Wayne Wike, her parents Jess and Mary Francis Wike, and her grandparents Sam and Mary Irva Coley Watson.
She is survived by her daughter Amy Renee Nichols Victory (Sam) of Payneway, Arkansas, and five grandchildren, Jacob Organ, (Sadie) of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, Erica Price of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Lia Jade Prior (Troy) of Greensboro, North Carolina, Brandon Victory and Alli Pinkley (Kyle), both of Jonesboro, Arkansas, three great-grandchildren, River, Eric and Griffin, and three sister in laws, Janet Ford Wike of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Mary Lou Scott Nichols Rothenbach and Jean Bolin Nichols both of Jonesboro, Arkansas.
The family extends a special thank you to the staff of Woodbriar Nursing Home of Harrisburg, and Elite Hospice Care for their care and patience through the final stage of her life.
Memorial services are Monday, July 7, 2025, at the Marked Tree Church of God, 114 Allyn Street at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Reverend Patrick Tucker officiating.
Interment will follow at a later date in Nichols Cemetery, north of Marked Tree.
Arrangements are under the care of Delancey Funeral home in Marked Tree.
