Francis Mims Lester

Francis Mims Lester, 61, of Selma, died Friday, December 10, 2004, in Selma.

Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 13, at the Chapel of Martin Funeral Home. Burial followed in Shiloh Baptist Cemetery in Clanton with Martin Funeral Home directing.

Survivors include her husband, Elliott R. Lester of Selma; two daughters, Veronica (Brian) Martin of Robertsdale and Sheba (James) Gardner of Selma; three granddaughters, Katie Strickland and Kameron Strickland both of Robertsdale and Sierra Gardner of Selma; two grandsons, Joshua Martin of Robertsdale and Trenton Gardner of Selma; six sisters; and one brother.

Mrs. Lester was born on Dec. 31, 1942 in Chilton County to the late Oscar Mims and Catherine Smith. She worked as a homemaker.

Ralph Nichols

Ralph Nichols, 89, of Marion, died Sunday, December 12, 2004, in Prattville.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 14, at Mt. Nebo Cemetery with the Rev. Fed Fuller officiating and Kirk Funeral Homes Marion Chapel directing.

Survivors include one son, Glenn Nichols and wife Rita of Prattville; one daughter, Ralphine Nichols Oakes and husband Mason of Clinton, Tenn.; one brother, Bruce Nichols of Marion; five grandchildren, Monica Oakes, Melissa Oakes, Gregory Nichols, Mark Nichols and Jeffrey Nichols; and three great-grandchildren, Hayden, Matthew and Kaleb Nichols.

Mr. Nichols was preceded in death by his wife, Grace Holifield Nichols, who died on Sept. 11, 2003.

Active pallbearers are Gregory Nichols, Mark Nichols, Jeffrey Nichols, Bruce Nichols Jr., Ellis Thomas, Bertram Smith, Clyde Turk and John Tutt.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Mt. Nebo Cemetery, 204 Troupe Street, Marion 36756.