Janice "Jan" Faye Nichols

Janice “Jan” Faye Nichols, a remarkable woman of grace, strength, and vivacity, passed away at the age of 72 on Thursday, October 19, 2023, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Born to Earl and Elise Nichols on September 19, 1951, in Plaquemine, Louisiana, Jan lived a life full of love, laughter, and endless passion for the state she called home. In the upcoming Mardi Gras season, her life will be celebrated in a fitting fashion—a Mardi Gras Memorial Party, an ode to one of her favorite times of the year.

Growing up and spending her entire life in Northwest Louisiana, Jan embraced the culture, spirit, and heart of the area. A sports fanatic through and through, she was as comfortable on the playing field as she was energetically coaching from the sidelines, or passionately cheering on her favorite teams—the LSU sports teams, the New Orleans Saints, and the Dallas Cowboys.

Jan’s love for life extended far beyond the realm of sports. She was a beacon of joy, laughter, and support in her community. With an innate ability to make friends wherever she went, Jan truly never met a stranger. Her infectious enthusiasm for life, coupled with her deep, unwavering faith in God, guided her through life’s journey and shone as a testament to her strength and resilience.

A teacher and counselor in every sense of the words, Jan utilized her formal education, licenses, and the invaluable lessons learned from life’s trials to guide, support, and uplift everyone she encountered. Her life was a living example of service, love, and unyielding faith.

Jan leaves behind a legacy of love, cherished memories, and a family that will forever hold her in their hearts. She is preceded in death by her beloved father, her sister, Mary Frances Cosby, and her brother, Andy Nichols. Mourning her loss yet celebrating her incredible life are her mother, Elise Nichols; her brother, Todd Nichols; her aunt, Chattie Huffman; her niece, Jennifer Burnley; her nephews, Matthew Messick and his wife, Theresa, and Aaron Messick and his wife, Monica; her great-nieces, Melissa Smith and her husband, Luke, Kamryn Messick, and Ryan Elise Messick; her great-nephews, Caleb Burnley and Ethan Messick; and her great-great-nephews, Dakota, Theodore, and Elliot.

Jan’s light will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, and her legacy will live on, inspiring generations to come to live life with passion, joy, and an unwavering faith in God.