Levonia (Reaves) Nichols

Levonia Reaves Nichols was born in Dillion, South Carolina on May 18, 1929 the daughter of the late Emma Reaves Britt and the granddaughter of the late Fed and Lula Cade Reaves. When she was very young, her family moved to Burlington, North Carolina. From her grandparents to her great grandchildren, six generations are represented. Levonia graduated from Graham High School and Mayco Beauty College. The Cosmetology State Board exam was not a challenge for her, and Vivian’s Beauty Box on Ross Street in Burlington immediately became her place of employment. For many years, working in the beauty shop and sewing brought smiles of pleasure to her face and to those for whom she provided service, especially her family and friends.  Later, she found herself making clothes at Peaches ‘n Cream in Mebane and doing alterations at Sellar’s Department Store in downtown Burlington.  Cooking and canning vegetables were also her favorite things. The food she cooked was delicious and her vegetables looked beautiful in a Mason Jar.

Levonia was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Apple Street and served on the Hospitality Ministry.

After several years of declining health, Levonia Reaves Nichols went home to” rest-in-peace” with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 28, 2018 at White Oak of Burlington with daughter and her companion Wade Bigelow at her side.  Levonia’s memory will be cherished with love by her daughter, Emma Lea Reaves White, son Donald Wayne Reaves (Gloria Jean); daughter Gayletha Ann Reaves Jones (Joshua), and all of Burlington. One stepdaughter, Deborah Cates (Willie) of Burlington, and two stepsons Wayne Ray Nichols (Dorothy) and Steve Nichols of Greensboro. She is survived by one sister Josephine Britt McRae of Burlington.  A family friend for many years, Jessie Mae Graves of Mebane, N.C. visited and cared for her throughout her illness.  Gladys Reaves Shaw, first cousin, has been a caregiver like no other who took charge of her care, during all of the years of her residency at White Oak of Burlington.

Grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends will mourn her passing in their own special way. 

Levonia was preceded in death by her husband Charlie Henry Nichols, one grandchild, Darlene Lanette White of Brunswick, Maine, three sisters Macy Reaves, Nora Lee Britt Enoch, and Esther Mae Britt. 

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