Barbara Lynn Nickell

Barbara Lynn Nickell, age 71, of Franklin Ohio, passed away in her home on January 8, 2020. She was surrounded by loving family.

She was born to James A. Mitchell and Evelyn Mitchell on March 15, 1948 in Huntington WV and attended Huntington High School.

She had a gift of music, both playing instruments and singing. She was not a professionally trained musician, nor could she read music, however she could play almost any instrument or sing any song with which she was presented. She had a natural ability to play by ear.

Barbara was an accomplished writer and poet, having had one book published, she was looking forward to creating a second one.

Barbara met Gary Lee Nickell in early 1975. It was love from the start. They were married October 18, 1975 in Ashland Ky. Together they raised two children, Teressa Lynn Smith and Gary Lee Nickell Jr. Barbara and Gary were married for 45 years.

Barbara made her life’s work living for the Lord, caring for her family, loving and raising her children in a way that they would strive to do well with the security of knowing their mother’s love and support would always be their greatest strength.

She touched all that met her with her caring heart, kind words, sincerity, and absolutely beautiful smile. She was quick to bring a smile to those around her with her personality. She never met a stranger and people were drawn to her. In her weakest hours her smile and that quick wit remained with her and was a comfort to her loved ones. As the end grew near she would speak of being ready to go home to the Lord and the sweetest smile would emerge. Without a doubt her favorite past time was loving and holding grandbabies at the time of her passing she had seven grandchildren and just the sight of them lit up her face with a radiant glow.

Barbara is survived by James A. Mitchell, (Father) Gary Nickell (Spouse), Teressa Smith (Daughter), Darrell Trivette (Significant Other), Charles Smith (Son in Law), Gary Nickell Junior (Son), Andrea Nickell (Daughter in Law), Sandra Chapman (Sister), James Mitchell (Brother).
Grandchildren, Natasha, Alexandra, Nolan, Nicholas, Bo, Nathaniel, and Noah. Great Grandchildren, Abbie, Walter, Jackson, Olivia, and Millie. Also survived by aunts, uncles, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn Mitchell.

Barbara had a spirit about her that could brighten the dimmest days and soothe troubled souls with her words. She will be missed by many. She has however left us with the ability to smile, thinking fondly of her and the times we were able to spend with her.

The family has entrusted Wilson Schramm Spaulding Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Visitation and Funeral Services will be held on January 13, 2020. Immediately followed by the burial. Visitation 11a.m. to 1p.m. at Grace Baptist Church 3023 N. Union Road, Franklin Ohio 45005. The funeral will follow at 1:00 pm at church. The Burial will take place at Memorial Gardens. Officiant, Barbara’s Pastor, Max Fernandez of Grace Baptist Church, will be presiding over the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, Southwest Regional Office, 2808 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45206.