Barbara Jean Nicholson

Barbara Jean Nicholson (maiden Sykes), daughter of the late Jodie Sykes and Maggie Lee, was born February 4, 1944 in Baltimore MD. She departed this earthly life on January 27, 2021, after a long fought illness in the hospital. She received her diploma for business education at Dunbar adult education on the 27th of May 1970 and later pursued partial studies at Coppin State College. She would spend many summers in Littleton North Carolina with her grandparents William Wiggins and Mary Lee and along with her sister Doris Haley and her aunt Etoile Hawkins enjoying good southern cooking/living while giving her grandparents endless entertainment. Family members recount many times over her love and skilled abilities of dance and ballet, where she performed recitals not only in Maryland but across other states. Barbara was also known for singing and had joined a band but she was cautioned against touring across the state to sing clubs and juke joints so she opted to let those dreams go. Barbara was baptized at Arlington Baptist Church November 1st 1987 along with her daughter Nickcold Nicholson. Though Barbara was a supreme faith based follower of the Lord Jesus Christ she found solace for her direct guidance in her faith within the pages of her beloved bible instead of being a church follower. She could relay scripture and offer encouraging words of Christ to any and all who would listen. The majority of Barbara’s career was spent at Westinghouse later to be acquired under Northrup & Grumman. Here she worked many hours often into the wee hours of the night on defense aircrafts with various job duties and skill levels including screen printing. It is also here that she was able to have her husband join employment where he too retired. One thing that Barbara would jokingly share is that this is how their marriage was able to last so long, because he would work the night shift as she ended her day, they were like two ships passing in the night. After nearly 30 years of employment she retired at the age of 58. The true center portion of her life many would say was her life long friendship and love to her childhood friend Frederick Nicholson of Baltimore MD. Knowing Barbara was knowing Fred or Freddie as he was affectionately called since these two were inseparable, like two peas in a pod. She would share the story that since she was 5 years old whenever he would move her family would coincidentally move as well and they would be neighbors yet again. Freddie later proposed to her since they both realized that they were meant for each other, they would wed February 10th 1968 in Baltimore MD. They spent many enjoyable times together taking road trips out of state or dates as they would call it to Dunkin Doughnuts to shoot the fool and people watch. They were able to build a home from the ground up that was for them, the culmination of their hard work, dreams and faith. And within that home they enjoyed gardening, home theater entertainment and hosting gatherings. Barbara was a woman to have the finer cars may it be an Audi or her greatest gift from her husband a custom made Cadillac Deville paid in full with cash as a gift for being an amazing wife. Her children Tonya and Nickcold remember all the joy she created by making a home full of comforts, constant protection and wonderful smells as Barbara was a really good cook and a wonderful baker. We remember being tucked in by night and her proudly boasting like a peacock all of our achievements by day. The children remember that she loved fine and costume jewelry and always had a pretty lip color on with classy outfits. She taught her girls the importance of posture, cooking, sewing, decorating, self care, playing instruments, learning French, having class, patience, being responsible, and leading with manners with respect. We also remember all the fun times with her and Freddie at family gatherings including the annual family reunion in August to Druid Hill park. What the family also vividly remembers is her love for politics, news and current events. She was akin to a centralized news station and could tell you the top news as well as the backgrounds of political influencers but was an unapologetic proud democratic voter. Her other passion that is equally shared by her family members is the love of the Baltimore Ravens, she would say: “I am not gonna watch them until the game is over, these Dang Ravens are gonna give me a heart attack!” We would often caution her not to watch and wait for the ending score so not to jinx them! And if they didn’t bring home that win she would say in the next breath: "that ok, we'll beat their butts next time!”. She enjoyed giving, giving, giving and more giving till it was her last and then would find a way to give some more. It was in her nature and nothing could fill her up with more joy than giving to her children and ensuring that they had the BEST! May it be giving to her great granddaughter the newest and best toys or lending her support with plenty of encouragement for her children’s dreams and endeavors. She single handedly supported her daughter’s academic ventures to bring the first Doctorate into the Nicholson family, and she encouraged her granddaughter in her nursing school pursuits till her dying days. What we all can remember and agree is that Barbara Nicholson was truly one of the sweetest people you could ever want to meet, albeit stubborn at times. She was for us the softest place to fall for all our worries,concerns, problems and doubts because she made the hardest times in your life all the more easier to bear. She commanded respect without ever raising her voice. Even if guidance or discipline was needed she never cursed or came out of character nor judged you in any way no matter what. She always encouraged you to be kind to others, give a compliment, have a sense of humor, strike up a conversation with folk to “yik-yak and shoot the fool” as she would call it, because you never knew what that person may be going through in their life. She had so much wisdom, courage, strength and wise advice that was valued by any age, gender, nationality and background. Strangers would often vocally say I love your mother just from being in her presence for mere minutes. She would give love endlessly because that was the very fiber of her being. And whatever the problem financial/emotional/mental/health or otherwise she would always tell you:“You Can Call Me 24/7 365, Mommy Is Always Gonna Be Here For You!”, and if you truly knew her, you would know that those words were no fairy tale. May our newly risen mother rest in the kingdom of heavenly peace. She leaves in her memory to mourn are her two remaining children Tonya Etoile Nicholson of Essex MD, Dr. Nickcold Savoir Nicholson of Atlanta GA, one granddaughter Alycia Amber Wood and one great-granddaughter Delealah Sarai Dinkins both of Essex MD. She also leaves 3 aunts Bernice Robinson, Mable Palmer, (Elvin husband Uncle Pee-Wee), Etoile Hawkins, (Uncle Vernon husband). One niece Mary Haley, one great nephew Anthony Ray, one great niece Raven Etheredge, (Tyrone husband) one great-great nephew Tyrell Etheredge and many other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her mother Maggie Lee Johnson, her husband Frederick Nicholson, her sister Doris Haley, and her brother Steve Conaway.

Tributes

Barbara Jean Nicholson

February 4, 1944 - January 27, 2020