Nellie Mae Nickerson

Sister Nellie Mae Alexander Nickerson, the eldest of six children, was born to Nathaniel, Sr. and Pearl Collins Alexander on August 1, 1932, in Wills Point (Van Zandt County), Texas.

Sister Nickerson accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Saint John Baptist Church in Childress.  She was educated at Mary Etta Price-J J Rhodes Elementary-High School in Childress, Texas.

After high school, she was united in holy matrimony with Odessma “O.D.” Nickerson on June 29, 1952, in Childress, moved to Amarillo, Texas with her new husband.  To this union, they were blessed with four sons and one daughter.

Upon moving to Amarillo in June, she united with Jenkins Chapel Baptist Church (JCBC) on July 13, 1952, under the pastorate of the late Reverend J. W. Wade; and, remained a loyal and faithful member for over 70 years, until her death.   Sister Nickerson worked diligently with various auxiliaries throughout her years at JCBC.

She worked with the Women Missionary Society, sang in two different choirs; and, was a song leader for many years.  She chaired the Youth Department, was one of the first women of the church to serve on the Board of Trustees.  Sister Nickerson was a member of the Pastoral Aid Committee (PAC), and served as a Deacon’s Wife for over 26 years.

Sister Nickerson worked in her family business, O.D. Nickerson, Inc., taking care of all administrative affairs for many, many years.

She was preceded in death by her Father, Mother and her second Mother; a son, Gregory Nickerson; a brother, Nathaniel, Jr.; two sisters, Mildred Faye Westmoreland and Barbara Ann Rodgers, two sisters-in-law, and two brothers-in-law.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 70 years, O.D., three sons, Kingery (Cathy), and Roger, both of Amarillo; Reverend Xavier Nickerson of Dallas, Texas; one daughter, Yolanda Nickerson Brown of Houston, Texas, Brother Robert Alexander of Childress, Texas, and Sister Mae Cathryn Goodman of Fort Worth Texas.  Twelve grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; and, a host of other relatives, and friends.