Betty Smoak Nicholson

Betty Smoak Nicholson went home to be with her precious Lord on Monday, January 11, 2016 surrounded by her family.

A Celebration of her life will be held 3:00 PM Friday, January 15, 2016 at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel in Orangeburg with burial at Memorial Park Cemetery in Orangeburg with Rev. Tom McElhaney officiating.

Visitation will be held 1:30 to 3:00 PM Friday before the service.

She was born November 4, 1937 in Orangeburg; a daughter of the late Christel Burdell Gilbert and the late Ben Albert Gilbert and the late Howard L. Smoak. She was preceded in death by her husband the late Robert N. "Nick" Nicholson; a son; Gary L. Till, Jr. and a brother, Steve Forde.

She was affectionately known as MeMa to her family; she always had time to listen and give Godly advice; we will miss her special prayers for us and her great sense of humor. She loved her Lord, reading her Bible and telling others all that Jesus had brought her through and what He would do for them. She taught her family and others about Jesus through studying God's word she taught at Bible Studies several years. She loved gospel music, loved to sing and there's no doubt she is singing with the Angels in Heaven. MeMa was a very loving, caring and giving Grandmother. She was the best, loving and most special grandmother ever.

Survivors include 1 daughter; Chris Till of Orangeburg; 4 granddaughters; Shawn Cooper of Orangeburg, Dawn (Matt) Mallard of St. Matthews, Kim (Roy) Ayers of Orangeburg and Shana (Patrick) Stapleton of New York, NY; 1 grandson; Gary L. "Trip" Till III of Columbia; 4 great grandsons who loved their MeMa; Scott Cooper, Cameron Cooper, Kyle Cooper and Tanner Ayers all of Orangeburg; 1 brother; Edward (Debbie) Forde of Waynesville, NC; sister-in-law; Linda K. Forde of Orangeburg; half sister; Charlene Smoak (Pierre) Gauthier of Aiken, a daughter-in-law; Sabra Till Burbage of Holly Hill and a number of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 1:30 to 3:00 PM before the funeral at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel in Orangeburg.

In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association; 140 Stoneridge Drive; Suite 210; Columbia, SC 29210 or to the Connie Maxwell Children's Home (Brooklyn Boy's Home); 3105 Five Chop Road; Orangeburg, SC 29115.

A Special Thanks to Orangeburg Rehab and Health Care for the special care and dedication given to our precious Mother and MeMa.

Please sign the family's online guest book at www.thompsonfh.net.