Lynda J. Brown Nichols Thomas

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Lynda Jane Brown Nichols Thomas, 72, of Grove. When she passed peacefully at home on Sunday, June 12, from her battle with cancer, we lost a woman that touched many lives with her unending wit and gregarious persona. Lynda was born November 10, 1949, in Miami, Oklahoma, to the late Charles E. and Edna I. (Markle) Brown. Lynda graduated from Commerce High School in 1968. She married George “Steve” Nichols, and together they had two sons. After becoming a mother and homemaker, and with the belief that anyone who keeps learning stays young, she attended college at Northeastern Oklahoma. She decided to turn her exceptional talent of arguing into a career, and in 1987 graduated from the University of Tulsa School of Law earning her Juris Doctor. Lynda was a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association and a very proud member of the Cherokee Nation. Later in life she met her match in Earl James "Jim" Thomas. There were never two people that loved shopping, dressing up, and entertaining friends and family more than these two. They married in Las Vegas and made their home in Miami, Oklahoma. Every holiday was an event, not just a gathering, and they took great pride and pleasure devoting countless hours decorating every room in their home floor to ceiling, inside and outside. When you think of Lynda, don’t think about cancer. Think of her intelligence, her hunger for learning, reading, writing letters, that wicked sense of humor and extraordinary style. Think of her cooking and delivering meals to people in need. Remember all the times she welcomed people facing misfortune and adversity into her home. Smile when you think of her untidy home and immaculate garden. She was a Certified Master Gardener and won "Yard of the Year" in 2021. Lynda commanded a room in presence and personality. She was a person for whom once you met, you’d never forget. She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles E. Brown, Edna I. (Markle) Brown-Light and Richard Light; her first husband, George "Steve" Nichols; three brothers, Charles John Brown, Billy Jack Brown, and Joe Ray Brown; one sister, Mary Ann Warren; and her loving husband Earl James “Jim” Thomas. She is survived by two sons; Marc and (Talisha) Nichols of Claremore, Oklahoma, and Brian and (Amy) Nichols of Bentonville, Arkansas; one sister, Susan and (Gary) Christensen of Grove; a niece that was like a sister, Angie Greer and grandchildren Lacey and (Nathan) Christie, Andrea Nichols, Holden Nichols, Avery Nichols, Eldon Vincent IV, and Scarlett Vincent. She also leaves behind her second family, the Thomas family, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and a multitude of dear friends. The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 14, from 6-8 p.m. at Nichols-Stephens Funeral Home in Grove. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, June 15, at 2 p.m. at Nichols-Stephens Funeral Home, and interment will be at Olympus Cemetery.

Tributes

Lynda J. Brown Nichols Thomas

November 10, 1949 - June 12, 2022