Sarah Elizabeth Smith Nichols, 94, of Doddsville, MS, departed this life on the 15th day of November, 2025, in the comfort of her home.  Visitation is Tuesday, November 18, 11:00 AM to 12:00PM in Ruleville Baptist Church.  Services are immediately following at 12:00 PM, and the burial will follow in Lehrton Cemetery in Ruleville, Mississippi.

Elizabeth was born on April 28, 1931, to David Jackson Smith and Lela Vivian Smith in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, and was the youngest of 13 children, coining her with the nickname, Baby Gal.  She was raised in Paynes, Mississippi, and when she married Paul Cecil Nichols in 1948, at the age of seventeen, the two purchased the old Doddsville Schoolhouse, located in Doddsville, Mississippi, making her a resident of the Doddsville Community for the majority of her life. Elizabeth was blessed with thirty-two beautiful years of marriage, and one son.  She was a member of Ruleville Baptist Church for 69 years.  She attended faithfully until prevented by declining health.

In her personal life, Elizabeth was known for her servant's heart and dedication to teaching others about Christ.  Elizabeth completed over seventeen Chrysalis walks and taught Sunday School faithfully.  Professionally, Elizabeth owned and operated the Doddsville Land and Mercantile store for many years.  Following the closure of the store, Elizabeth was an LPN at North Sunflower Medical Center.  She later became the Fire Chief for Doddsville and simultaneously was the mayor of Doddsville. At the end of her public service tenure, Elizabeth continued to work providing insurance policies to many families across the Delta.  She never fully retired, and continued to work until the last years of her life.  She was well known and loved for helping others throughout her working career and in private life.

Mrs. Nichols is predeceased by her husband, Paul Cecil Nichols; her parents, David and Lela Smith; brothers, Whister Smith, Boley Smith, David Smith, Paul Smith, and Russell Smith; and sisters, Gladys Houston, Odell Nichols, Naomi Attansio, Willie Barnes, Edwina Pilcher, Mary Brunson, and Daisy Davis. She is survived by her son, John "Johnny" Russell Nichols (Robbie); two grandchildren, Dr. Brantley Paul Nichols of Ocean Springs and Dr. Jonathan Robert Nichols (Margaret) of Hattiesburg; great grandchildren, Kelling Elizabeth (Ellie), Emily Kate, Kennedy Grace, Colton Brantley, Jonathan Robert, Claire Camille, and Ross William, all of Hattiesburg; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

Elizabeth was known for her devoted faith in God, and a strong love for family.  Specifically, a strong love for her son Johnny, and two grandsons, Brantley and Jonathan.  Many knew Elizabeth as Mrs. Nichols, but those closest to her knew her as Meme, or alternatively Baby Gal.  She will be missed by all who knew and loved her, particularly those to whom she offered such valuable friendship and assistance over the years.  One of her favorite scriptures was Proverbs 3:6, "In all thy ways, acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Williams and Lord Funeral Home of Ruleville is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook may be signed at www.williamsandlord.com