Judy Ashcraft Nichols, 78, of Weiner, died Saturday, April 4, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. She was born on December 18, 1948 and was a member of Weiner First Baptist Church.

A graduate of Weiner High School, Judy had a love of life that included many things, especially her beloved Kansas City Chiefs, the Grizzlies, trips to the casino, Motown music and dancing until her rheumatoid arthritis made that impossible. She has faced many challenges in her life, especially the loss of her daughter Lea, and later her husband, Bill, but she never complained. Judy was quick with a laugh or a joke and could be direct in her comments. You always knew where you stood with her. She loved carrot cake and would fight you for a piece. Judy was unfailingly loyal to those she loved including a multitude of long-time friends. She retired from Riceland International in 2016 after many decades of service.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Janice Lea Whaley; her husband, Bill Nichols; grandson, Lane Nichols and her parents, Rommie and Maunee Taylor Ashcraft. She is survived by her sons, Robert Nichols and his wife, Melissa of North Dakota and B.J. Nichols and his wife, Valerie of Des Arc. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Ethan Nichols, Lucus Nichols and his wife, Allison, Hayden Nichols and Chloe Nichols and great-grandchildren, Maribelle and Moses Nichols. Additional survivors include her brother Rommie Joe Ashcraft and his wife, Jean of Jonesboro; nieces Beth Smith of Jonesboro and Laurie Stowers of Little Rock. Also, brothers in law, Donnie Nichols and his wife, Carla of Hazen and Keith Woodall and the late Dorthey Woodall of Carlisle and a host of other family and friends.

The family wants to express its appreciation to Pam Averill, Winnie Brownderville, Melanie Clift, Donna Harrison, Linda Ivy, Leslie Sanders and so many others who helped and supported Judy. Special thanks to Dr. Danny Grubbs for his care of her over many years.

Services will be at gravesite on Friday, April 10 at 10:30 at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Weiner with Pastor Tommy Jacobs officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Weiner Fire Department.