Posted on 02/10/2019
Florence Virginia Nicklas was born Sept. 7, 1929 and died Feb. 2, 2019. She was the ninth of thirteen children born to Eva and Vernon Etheridge. Flo married Navy Lt. William Nicklas Jr. in 1952 and the story of Bill and Flo began. Mom was the heart of our family. While dad was on deployment or working long hours at the base, mom was always there. Until she died, mom was the one we wanted to talk to whenever we came home. She was our center of balance. We each thought we were her favorite. Mom would give her undivided attention to each of her four daughters and would put the world back in perspective. Our mother thought the greatest invention in the world was the sewing machine closely followed by the stand-up freezer. She taught herself to sew and made many wrap-around skirts and simple smocks, followed by pant suits, prom dresses, bridesmaid gowns and wedding veils. We would pick strawberries and silver queen corn and fill half the freezer. The other half would have meals to last for two weeks at Sandbridge; feeding not just the kids and grandkids, but any of their friends that showed up at the beach. Mom made it all look so easy. Our parents loved Jesus Christ and His church. Dad taught Sunday School, both sang in the choir, and many things that needed fixing or replacing were done anonymously during the week. The other women in the church became mom's family. Some were like mentors, others were sisters, and still others like daughters. They all served those in need and shared their times of joy and sadness. The church gave my parents their greatest purpose in living. They showed us what was really important in life and that was to be like Jesus. Mom is survived by her four daughters: Dora (Greg), Judy (Kenny), Ginger, and Sharon. There are grandchildren who were bathed, fed, and loved by Grams and Pop and there are great grandchildren who will hear many stories and see pictures of Christmas and Sandbridge with their young-looking parents. Dad died a year ago, Jan. 2018, and their grandson, Nick, in 1992. We would like to thank our very good friends from Senior Corps, Kim, Chantal, Nickie, and Greta, who spent many hours taking loving care of both mom and dad. We also want to thank the nurses from Comfort Care hospice for their compassion and assistance. The service will be at Lynnhaven Presbyterian Church at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb.9, 2019, officiated by Dr. Rev. J. Scottie Griffin. A reception will be held in the fellowship hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the church's food pantry or Vacation Bible School would be greatly appreciated.
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