Thelma Nickens

Thelma Evelyn (King) Nickens was called home to be at the throne of her Lord and Saviour on July 8, 2015. She was born Nov. 8, 1927, to the late Molly (Whalen) King and Maurice King. After 67 years of marriage, her husband, Lord D. Nickens (long time civil rights activist), predeceased her in Jan. 2013. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

She was a devoted wife and mother to her family, and was loved by all who knew her at home and within the community. She was chief cook and bottle washer at the Frederick Soup Kitchen for several years. Thelma loved talking on the phone, playing bingo, cooking, baking, and canning from her garden in earlier years. As a Christian, she was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church where she served in several ministries, with many years in the position as treasurer in the Missionary Ministry. Thelma was a very humble servant, and would support many. During the trials and tribulations of her husband, especially during his fulfillment in civil rights, she could not have been a more devoted wife and mother to her sons. She loved playing cards, attending family gatherings, and acting as a mother to her many nieces and nephews. One could always depend on Thelma to be the life of the party.

Thelma leaves to mourn three sons, Charles M. Nickens (Rose), Ronald E. Nickens, and Gregory A. Nickens (Vicky); brother-in-law Lawrence Wilson; 7 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. Other family members who predeceased were Verla Robinson, Clara King, Audery King, Maurice King, and Jerelean Wilson.

Services will be held on Tues., July 14, 2015, at First Missionary Baptist Church, 6430 Jefferson Pike, Frederick, MD 21703. Public visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m., the family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., and a Christian service begins at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dr. William H. Graham officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Kline Hospice House, 7000 Kimmel Road, Mount Airy, MD 21771.