Rosa Louise Gaines Nicholson, 89, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great‑grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by her cherished “girls” at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, N.C.

Born to J.O. Gaines and Frances Gaines, Louise lived a life marked by devotion to family, creativity, and service to others. On March 31, 1954, she married the love of her life, Woodrow A. Nicholson, beginning a partnership grounded in faith, hard work, and enduring love.

Louise was a gifted seamstress, a compassionate CNA, and an avid crafter whose hands were rarely still. She delighted in creating beauty—whether through carefully stitched garments, lovingly decorated cakes, or thoughtful handmade gifts. Her talents were matched only by her generous heart and her quiet strength, which she shared freely with all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, J.O. Gaines and Frances Gaines; her beloved husband, Woodrow A. Nicholson; her children, Jeralean Pillado and Melody Williams; and her siblings, Doris Finley, Marvin Gaines, Paul Gaines, Junior Gaines, and Carl Gaines.

Louise is survived by her siblings, Raymond Gaines and David Gaines; her children, Anita Langley (Bryan) and Amy Fisher (Mike); and her grandchildren: Tabatha Stevenson (Eddie), Jimmy McDaniel (Michelle), Jakob Absher (Cindy), Tina McDaniel (Ye), Katara Desai (Dev), Kristi McDaniel, Desiree’ Nesbit, Aaron Loftin (Hannah), and Mikey Fisher. In addition, Louise had 11 great grandchildren and four great great-grandchildren.

Louise’s life was a testament to love, perseverance, and grace. She has left this earth and returned to her heavenly home, where she is welcomed with the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured and the countless lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 20, at 2 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home in Stony Point.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Gordon Hospice House, Statesville, N.C.