Mrs. Beth Nicol

Funeral services for Mrs. Beth Nicol, 74, of Henderson, will be held at 10AM on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Crawford - A. Crim Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Jayson Galler, of Pilgrim Lutheran Church of Kilgore, officiating. Interment will be held at Rusk County Memorial Gardens. A committal will follow under the direction of Crawford - A. Crim. Visitation is scheduled from 5PM to 7PM on Wednesday, May 24. Mary Beth Nicol, more popularly known as “Beth” passed into her Heavenly Home on Thursday afternoon, May 18, 2017, after a long and courageous battle with a debilitating illness. Beth was born in Henderson on October 9, 1942, to Annie Louise Henry Black and Fred D. Black. She graduated from Henderson High School with her class in 1961, after completing her curriculum during the Summer of 1960. She met and began dating the love of her life, Donald Nicol of Gaston High School, in August, 1958. They were married on December 17, 1960, at which time she became his lifelong partner, his most ardent supporter and the inspiration for his many accomplishments in the field of engineering. They attended Lamar University, in Beaumont, where Don earned his Engineering Degree. She was awarded a “PHT” Degree by the University for “Putting Husband Through College” for her active support of his efforts. Throughout Don’s successful career, Beth was always beside him engaging with his co-workers, his friends and colleagues. Don and Beth traveled extensively throughout the United States, visiting each and every state along with many countries of Europe. And, during Don’s very successful and far flung business career, the couple and their family lived in Henderson, Beaumont, Mt. Vernon, Ohio; Houston, Corpus Christie, Plano, and again in Henderson. She met her long-time friend, Sherry Cosbie, a neighbor in Plano, Texas. Beth loved being Aunt Beth to Sherry's children and thought of them as her own grandchildren. Other wives in Sherry's friend circle would immediately respond, “Oh, You’re Aunt Beth," when she was introduced. The friendship continued until her death. Beth loved all sports, enjoying in addition to football, baseball, hockey, and her latest favorite, basketball. She found great joy in doing things for others. She was a foster parent to six children over the years and she always asked for foster children that would be returning to their mother. She wanted to help mothers that just needed an extra hand to get on their feet. She was a daughter, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a friend, a foster parent, a conservative, and Aunt Beth to many. But most importantly she was a Christian, an active member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church of Kilgore. Beth is survived by her husband of more than 56 years, Don; three daughters, Sharabeth Upton and husband Marty of Henderson, Sharla Renee Furlong and husband Randy of Henderson, Shana Suzanne Sapp and husband, Roy of Signal Mountain, TN, along with four granddaughters: Shelley Fanning, Sara Furlong, Sophia Sapp, and Riley Sapp; one grandson: Jack Sapp; and two great grandsons: Kiyah and Markell Stiggers. Also surviving is her brother Robert Phillips and his wife Kathy of San Antonio. Beth was predeceased by her father and mother, Fred D. and Annie Louise Black and step-father, Edwin Phillips. Pallbearers will be Kelly Nicol, David Nicol, Byron Sapp, Mike Truett, Peter Karanganis, and Levi Insley. Condolences may be made at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Mrs. Beth Nicol

October 9, 1942 - May 18, 2017