Dortha Jean Nichols

Dortha Jean Nichols, 88, of Eddyville, Kentucky, formerly of Marion, passed away on February 18, 2026, at Baptist Health Paducah.

Dortha was a woman of deep and unwavering faith and a devoted member of Higher Power Full Gospel Church. She loved the Lord with her whole heart and expressed that love through music. She played the guitar and piano and sang beautifully in church, using her voice and her talents to praise God and uplift others.

She was also an excellent cook who found great joy in preparing meals for her family. Cooking was one of the ways she showed her love, and her kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter, and togetherness. Her family will forever cherish the memories made around her table.

Dortha had a creative and artistic spirit. She enjoyed writing poetry and had a gentle, expressive soul that showed through her words and her songs. Her kindness, faith, and creativity touched everyone who knew her.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family deeply and devoted her life to caring for them.

She is survived by her children, Dempsey York of Eddyville, Kentucky, Debbie (Billy) Heady of Freeburg, Illinois, and Kim Steeley of Owensboro, Kentucky; her grandchildren, Brady, Ashlee, Jessica, Joshua, Jacob, Justin, Demi, and Sarah; 15 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Lemah Pugh and Edna Wiggington; her brothers, Bobby Thomas, Denny Thomas, Ronnie Thomas, and Ricky Thomas; and her stepchildren, Scottie Nichols and Tony Nichols.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Nichols; her parents, Ellis and Birtie Thomas; and her son, David York.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion, Kentucky, with burial to follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.

Dortha will be deeply missed by her family, her church family, and all who were blessed to know her. Her legacy of faith, love, music, and creativity will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. We will forever be honored that God chose her to be our mama.