JoAn Nichols

JoAn Nichols was born on March 10, 1930, in Acton, Indiana, to the late Gordon and Edna Lowes. She peacefully departed this life on February 10, 2024, at the age of 93.

On December 12, 1970, she married the love of her life, Lowell Eugene Nichols, Sr., and together, they embarked on countless adventures, traveling the roads in their RV and passionately re-enacting Revolutionary War scenes for civic groups and schools. JoAn accompanied Lowell on many game and bird hunts, embracing the outdoors with the same enthusiasm she brought to her historical pursuits.

JoAn’s commitment to preserving history was evident through her memberships in various historical societies, including the Indiana Historical Society, Indiana Genealogy Society, Johnson County Genealogy Society, Franklin Township Historical Society, and more. Her dedication extended to publishing the Meid-Lindwedel Family History and Andrew-Lowes Family History, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. Their 1835 historic home, filled with period furnishings, bore witness to their dedication to preserving the past.

A woman of many talents, JoAn showcased her skills through numerous accolades, including County Grand Champion awards for style shows featuring dresses and suits. Her creativity extended the winning the National Simplicity Pattern Company Award and earning copyrights for two doll patterns.

In her professional life, JoAn served with distinction in the insurance industry for 35 years, the latter being with American Fletcher Mortgage Company for 11 years and later at Stouts RV Sales for 15 years.

A proud member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), JoAn served diligently in various capacities, including as Regent, Vice Regent, and Historian for the Mary Bryan Chapter. Her contributions extended to the state and national levels, where she held esteemed positions and received multiple honors, including Honorary State Regent and National Vice President General.

Beyond her DAR service, JoAn demonstrated a deep commitment to youth, serving as Senior Treasurer of the Little Eagle Creek Society C.A.R. and Senior State Vice President of the Indiana Society. Her impact was recognized with the SAR Medal of Appreciation, Martha Washington Medal, Lady of Liberty Medal, and two Oak Leaf Clusters. JoAn served as secretary for the Perry Township little league for 10 years and was the Unit Commissioner for the Pathfinder District, Boy Scout Troop 39 for 5 years.

JoAn is survived by her four daughters, Jenny Paqano (Frank), Sally Landers, Gay Davis (Edward), and Paulette Pratt (William); six stepchildren, Kris Beavers (John), Kathy Clark (Bob), Barbara Swenzer (Bill), Gene Nichols, Jr. (Susan), Laura Archer (Bryan), and Fred Nichols (Peggy); sisters, Carolyn Quinn and Marilyn Brandt; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Her departure leaves a void in our lives, but her legacy of love, service, and dedication to history will endure for generations to come.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory, Greenwood Chapel 481 W. Main St., Greenwood. Burial will follow at Acton Cemetery next to her husband, Lowell Nichols.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to JoAn’s DAR Good Citizen’s Scholarship Fund by mail, with the notation “INDAR Good Citizen Scholarship Fund” to:

Indiana DAR State Treasurer 8395 Keystone Crossing, #204, Indianapolis, IN. 46240.

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