Shirley Ann Grafton Nichols

Shirley Ann Grafton Nichols

March 22, 1938 – September 5, 2026

Shirley Ann Grafton Nichols, 88, went to her heavenly home on September 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of the family she treasured so deeply.

Shirley was born on March 22, 1938, in Linkville, Missouri, one of seven children born to Earnest Lyle Grafton and Frances Hill Grafton. Family was at the center of Shirley’s life from the very beginning and remained one of her greatest blessings.

On December 10, 1955, Shirley married the love of her life, Billy Gene Nichols Sr. Together, they were blessed with four children, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her family.

Shirley had a strong and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Plattsburg and was involved in many church ministries throughout the years. Her faith was not simply something she spoke about—it was reflected in the way she lived, loved, served, and cared for others.

Shirley found happiness in life’s simple and beautiful things. She loved Christmas, cherishing both its joyful traditions and the celebration of Christ’s birth. She enjoyed scrapbooking, working in her yard, and especially tending to her flowers. She treasured traveling with her family and was grateful for the opportunity to visit places she had never imagined seeing. No matter how far her travels took her, she was always happy to return home.

Shirley is survived by her children, Larry Nichols of Lake, Michigan; Cindy (Randy) Sloan of Gower, Missouri; and Sherri (Ron) Shatto of Plattsburg, Missouri; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; her sisters, Sandra (Tom) Utz and Brenda (Kelly Williams) Lehmer, both of Plattsburg, Missouri; and her brother, Joseph Grafton of Wellington, Missouri. She also leaves behind extended family, her church family, and many dear friends who will miss her greatly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Gene Nichols Sr.; son, Billy Nichols Jr.; parents, Earnest and Frances Grafton; brothers, Charles Grafton and Donald Gene Grafton; sister, Gertrude Barnett; brothers-in-law, Richard Lehmer and Leon Barnett; and sister-in-law, Evelyn Grafton.

Although her family grieves her passing, they find comfort in knowing that Shirley is now in the presence of the Savior she loved and faithfully served.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Memorial service will be held 11:00am Saturday September 12, 2026 at the First Baptist Church Plattsburg. Inurnment will be in the Mount Zion Cemetery Gower Missouri.  The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  The family suggests memorial gifts to First Baptist Church.