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The family of Betty Jo Hill Nichols, 95, of Hartsville, South Carolina, is saddened to announce that she went home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 20, 2025. She was born August 2, 1929, to Luke T. Hill and Jesse Mae Hill in Hartsville, South Carolina. Betty Jo was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, John Steele Nichols; brothers, Boardman Hill, Alvin Hill, Rudolph Hill; sisters, Ottie Mae Chwalek, Margaret King Armstrong, Ella Mae Floyd, Vadere Moates; and adored grandson, Brent Steele Johnson. She is survived by her daughter, Kris Nichols Johnson (Jerry); her son, John S. Nichols, Jr. (Elaine); her beloved grandchildren, Leslee N. Johnson and Blake J. Johnson, Ashley Nichols Suits (Burk), and Alison Nichols McNatt (Chris); her special great-grandchildren, Luke and Ben Johnson, Cormac Allen, Layton and BJ Suits, and Livia McNatt; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved. Betty Jo married John Nichols in 1947 and remained married until his death in 1981. During this time, she worked for many years as a secretary and dispatch associate for the Hartsville City Police Department. Then, she worked as an assistant in the Hartsville High School Band Music Program for over 20 years. In this role, she was a favorite of the students, helping to keep their music, instruments, and uniforms together and everyone on schedule. Through all these years, her faith in God, and love for family were up most of importance in her life. Hartsville First Baptist Church, with all its activities, from teaching children in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and also being active in the service groups within the church, were ways she showed her care, concern, and love for all God’s children. Additionally, she traveled to Zambia, Africa, for over 10 years on mission trips, completing her final trip in 2018 at age 89. Betty Jo also valued and participated in the national service club, Hartsville Pilot Club, for decades. She was most proud of the role the Pilot Club played in organizing swimming classes that taught hundreds of Hartsville’s children to swim for over 20 years. Her family was paramount in her life. She became “Mama Jo” upon the birth of her first grandchild. She was devoted to her grandchildren, always attending their various activities, and supported their musical development, gifting each grandchild their musical instrument of choice for band or orchestra. She never missed an opportunity to celebrate family and always served her special chocolate cake with homemade chocolate icing. Betty Jo cherished her role of wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and prayer warrior. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Our only consolation is that she is with her Heavenly Father and Savior, whom she loved so deeply, and her many friends and family who are welcoming her there with open arms in Heaven. A celebration of her life will be held at 2 o'clock on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Hartsville. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 104 East Home Avenue, Hartsville, SC 29550.

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Mrs. Betty Jo Hill Nichols

August 2, 1929 - February 20, 2025