Mary Gladys Nichols, of Cumming, Georgia, passed away peacefully at her home on September 9, 2026, at 8:15 p.m., surrounded by the loved ones who meant so much to her. She was 86 years old.

Gladys was born on February 6, 1940, in Buford, Georgia, to Coleman and Mary Cantrell. A lifelong resident of the Cumming and Forsyth County area, she devoted her life to caring for her family as a homemaker.

Known affectionately as Gladys, Mama, Aunt Gladys, and Grandma, she was a gracious, generous, and nurturing woman whose greatest joy was caring for the people she loved. She found happiness in cooking for her family, thrifting, watching NASCAR and Atlanta Braves baseball, listening to gospel music, and taking family trips when she was able. She especially enjoyed keeping up with her family through photographs and treasured the many pictures shared with her over the years.

Gladys was a woman of Christian faith who loved gospel music, including recordings of the Gaithers. Although she was unable to attend church regularly during much of her later years, her faith remained an important part of her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Numen Jeffrey Nichols, who passed away in 2021; her parents, Coleman and Mary; her sister, Dean; and her brothers, Michael, David, Robert, “Red” and Brodus.

She is survived by her sisters, Joanne, Evelyn, and Brenda; her sons, Randall, Jeffrey, and Douglas; her daughter, Joan Case and her husband, Michael; along with numerous nieces and nephews, 11 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren, all of whom carry memories of the love and kindness she so freely gave.

Gladys will be remembered for her gentle spirit, generous heart, devotion to her family, and the countless ways she made the people around her feel loved and cared for. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, reunited with her husband “T-Bo”, and free from pain.

Visitation will be held at Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming, Georgia, on Saturday, September 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, September 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A chapel service will follow on Sunday, September 13, at 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Riverside Baptist Church in Sugar Hill, Georgia, following the service.

Flowers may be sent to Ingram Funeral Home courtesy of the Nichols family.