Sheryl Duke Nichols

Sheryl Nichols, 72, peacefully entered into eternal rest with her Lord and Savior on October 03, 2024, at home in Amarillo. Sheryl maintained grace, dignity, and an unwavering spirit throughout her illness. Her positive outlook and steadfast faith brought comfort to herself and her family.

Amarillo Area Service: Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd Amarillo, Texas, Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 2:00 pm.   Family visitation 1:00-2:00 pm. 

Dallas Area Service: First Baptist Church, Garland, 801 West Avenue D Garland, Texas, Main Sanctuary, Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 11:00 am.   Family visitation 10:00 -11:00 am.

Private Family Burial.

Barbara Sheryl Duke was born on October 4, 1951, in Canadian, Texas, to Peggy and C.T. Duke.  She spent her formative years on the family ranch and excelled at Darrouzett High School where she was salutatorian, crowned Ms. DHS, and distinguished herself as a talented basketball player among other extracurricular activities. After graduating, she attended West Texas State University where she crossed paths with her future husband, Garland Nichols, during her freshman year. The following year, she transferred to Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. Sheryl and Garland were married in July 1972 at her hometown church in Booker, Texas. She graduated from Midwestern in 1974 with a degree in Education and a minor in Art History.

 Sheryl and Garland were blessed with two children, Coby Ben in 1975 and Brooke D’Lynn in 1978. Sheryl was a dedicated fan of basketball and her children’s pursuits. She taught classical art history at magnet schools within Garland ISD for many years. Her passion extended to nutrition and sharing her knowledge through Shaklee, a business she successfully nurtured for over 45 years. Above all, Sheryl’s deep love for Jesus Christ defined her life. She actively served in various capacities at churches wherever she and her family lived, including teaching Sunday School, volunteering in the church cafeteria, participating in praise teams, and ladies' Bible studies. Her devotion to Christ was evident in her selflessness and kindness towards others. 

Sheryl cherished time spent with her family and friends. Though shy at heart, her competitive spirit shone through, especially during card and board games. Even being a fierce competitor, Sheryl consistently put others before herself, exemplifying loyalty and kindness to all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of grace, class, and compassion, serving as an inspiration for others to emulate.

Sheryl is survived by her mother, Peggy Duke Urban; son, Coby Nichols and his partner, Armando Pando; sister-in-law, Velrick Wilson; nephews, Cruise Duke, Brett Duke, and his wife, Micah, and their children Harper and Caroline; brother, Kevin Duke, and his wife, Sherri, and their children Ashley, Michael (Savanah), and Maddi (Alex); aunt Dolores Cross and her daughters Barbara German and Mary Barton and their families; Aunt Joyce Hodges, daughter Jan Ryan (Art), first cousins, Matt Thompson (Tammy), Becky Munsell (Dusty), Bill Merydith (Donna), Linda Smith (Mitch) and families, sister-in-law, Sharron Nichols; niece, Kristi Klein and her partner Micky Young and their family; brother-in-law, Greg Nichols, his wife, Gina, and their son, Brent. Sheryl also leaves behind numerous beloved family members and life-long friends.

Sheryl was preceded in death by her daughter, Brooke Nichols; husband, Garland Nichols; father, C.T. Duke; brother, John Duke; stepfather, Bob Urban; in-laws, Ruby and Luther Nichols; brother-in-law, Lonnie Nichols; niece, Sunni Nichols Schow and Cousin Debbie Herrington.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to her dedicated caregivers, especially Lupe Garcia, affectionately known as "Saint Lupe," who provided invaluable companionship and support during Sheryl’s final year.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Brooke Nichols Scholarship at Texas Tech University:

Texas Tech Foundation, Inc., TTU System Financial Services - Memo: Brooke Nichols Scholarship Endowment Fund, PO BOX 45025, Lubbock, Texas 79409-5025.

Link: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1422/20/form.aspx?sid=1422&gid=1003&pgid=3207&cid=8425&bledit=1&dids=1713

Family Mailing Addresses:  

Peggy Duke Urban: 1506 S Kentucky Amarillo, TX 79102

Coby Nichols: 19 Ryan Palmer Lane Amarillo, TX 79124

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. - Proverbs 3:5-6