Posted on 05/02/2018
Kathryn Nichols deGeneres, a resident of Shreveport since 2006, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on April 28, 2018 at the age of 87. Kathryn was born in Cordell, Oklahoma, on June 8, 1930 to William Ray and Mary Kate (Ellis) Nichols. Her family moved to Baton Rouge when Kathryn was eight years old. She was a proud graduate of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge with a degree in Elementary Education. Kathryn was a voracious reader and loved helping children learn to read. While teaching school near Annapolis, Maryland, she fell in love with a Naval Academy Midshipman named Frederick Souvelle deGeneres, Jr. and they were married on July 11, 1953, in their hometown of Baton Rouge. Kathryn embraced the numerous moves throughout her husband's 26 year Air Force career and made the most of each opportunity. She was passionate about community service and volunteered in Family Service Centers at a variety of military bases at home and abroad. She was fascinated by history and the arts. She never missed a museum and was the first in line when a new musical came to town. Her spirit of adventure led her to places like Moscow, Istanbul, and Hong Kong. Kathryn loved spending time with her family and friends whether at home or on another adventure. She also valued her membership in The First United Methodist Church, and their Senior Adult Ministry which provided her great comfort during the last few years. Throughout her life, Kathryn's quick wit and sense of humor brought great joy to all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, "Sou," of 55 years, and her daughter, Gigi Louise deGeneres. She is survived by her brother, Jim Nichols, of Shreveport; daughters Bess (Bob) Elder of Shreveport and Mickie (Rusty) Smith of Alexandria, VA; granddaughters Katie Elder, Maggie (Tom) Murphy, and Marin Smith; great granddaughters Emma Kate and Clara Jane Murphy; and numerous nieces and nephews. Greenoaks Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Baton Rouge has been entrusted with arrangements, and a memorial service will be held at Greenoaks on Saturday, the 5th of May at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Kathryn to the following: Emmett Hook Center of the First United Methodist Church, 500 Common St., Shreveport, LA 71101. Friends of Family Support, 801 Kenney Ave., Barksdale AFB, LA 71110.
Greenoaks Funeral Home
9595 Florida Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
(225) 925-5331
Published in TheAdvocate.com from May 1 to May 5, 2018