Queen Mary Helen Grant Nichols, 77, was born in Iredell County, N.C., on Saturday, November 9, 1946, to the late William Grant and Alease Holmes Grant. She departed this life on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Gordons Hospice House in Statesville, N.C.

Queen Mary attended Morningside High School, and at one time worked as a seamstress. She was a member of the Garden of Eden Outreach Ministry.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Alease Grant.

She leave to cherish the memory of her life her husband, Robert E. Nichols; sons, Tyson (Sheena) Byers, Vernon Byers, and Robert Anthony Nichols, all of Statesville, and David Byers of Taylorsville; four daughters, Brenda (Thomas) Simpson and Talanya Nichols, both of Statesville, Natasha Byers of Arizona, and Treva; a sister, Linda Morrison; nine grandchildren, Thomas Simpson Jr. (T. J.), Corvus Simpson, Princess Simpson, Ty’Shaun Byers, Jalea Byers, Ty’Anna Byers, Ty’Carter Byers, Michael Ferguson, and Cameron Byers; great grandchildren, Sha’mek Simpson, Ashyah Simpson, Jaqualen Simpson, Caleb Simpson, Jymessa Simpson, Rodney Mashore Jr, and Majestee Mashore; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Celebration of Life services will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Rutledge and Bigham Mortuary. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 2 p.m. at the funeral home and burial will follow in the Belmont Cemetery.

Visit the Book of Memories for Queen Nichols at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.

Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the Nichols family.