Clara M. Nicholls

WILMINGTON—Clara M. Nicholls, 83, of Wilmington, passed away Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019 at Heritage Health in Dwight.
Born Oct. 13, 1935 in Gorham, Jackson County, IL, Clara Marie was a daughter of Charles Cameron and Wanda Elsie (Sumner) Mattingly. She was raised in Gorham and graduated from Gorham High School. On Jan. 8, 1955, Clara married Henry William “H.W.” Nicholls Jr. in Alcorn, MS and together they made their home in Wilmington. Clara held employment with Johnson & Johnson Personal Products, prior to owning and operating Clara’s Beauty Shop out of her home. Following retirement, Clara and H.W. relocated to Monahans, TX, where they lived until the passing of H.W., when Clara returned to Wilmington. Throughout the years, Clara enjoyed bowling on a league, camping and playing bingo. Her love of the St. Louis Cardinals was unwavering, and in recent years she took pleasure in Internet gaming.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Cindy Nicholls, of Wilmington; four grandchildren: Curt (Elayne) Nicholls and Michelle Nicholls, both of Farmington; MO; Chris (Faith) Williams, of Homer Glen, IL and Lisa (Elmer) Lynn, of Wilmington; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Paul (Mary) Mattingly, of Spokane, WA and numerous nieces and nephews.
Clara was preceded in death by her parents, husband, H.W.; one son, Robert Wayne in infancy; one daughter, Pamela Williams and siblings: Charles (Bonnie) Mattingly, Naomi (Sam) Lamonica and Norma Meyer.
A visitation was held at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 E. Kahler Rd. in Wilmington on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019 and also at Pettett Funeral Home, 1418 South St. in Murphysboro on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019.
Burial will follow in Parrish Cemetery in Vergennes, IL, where Clara will be laid to rest with her late husband, H.W.
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Clara’s memory to Hospice of Kankakee Valley, 482 Main St. NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 or to a cancer research organization of the donor’s choosing.
Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Clara’s memorial page online by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com/notices/Clara-Nicholls
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington.