After Marie retired, I convinced her to work for me again at Conroe Regional and Baycoast Medical center doing "temporary" assignments to get caught up.  Of course, these short term gigs had to be timed between planting a garden and picking time.  In Marie's spare time, she quilted.  I am fortunate enough to have one.  And she loved dogs, she had seven at one time,including Red who was the neighbor's dog.  Every morning, she would get up and take them for a walk down the road to Verns and back again.  Afterward they would gather around for treats my two included (Lovey and Lady) when we visited.  I remember Fergie, Booger, Sunday, Bruce, Sarah, Mandy, and Red, Red.  My favorite picture of her is one her daughter-in-law, Tammy took with all her dogs around her waiting patiently for treats. I should mention Chevron and Mama cat as well.  Marie loved her animals, and they were a full-time job, And they loved her too.  Her front porch was a favorite place to gather with family, friends and pets.  She loved playing cards, singing in Church, and attending area gospel singings.  I would be remiss not to mention, Marie was a great cook, but she loved to be treated to Jean Ann's, Catfish, and Mexican food.

Marie worked in the gas and oil industry for several years, and then started working in the healthcare industry in hospitals for over thirty years.  She retired from Doctors Hospital in Conroe, Texas in the eary 1990's where she held the position of Billing Manager.  Marie was a diligent and hard worker appreciated by all for her sense of humor and ability to get the work done.

Marie was born on 6/28/1929 in Houlka Mississippi to Elijah and Alma Funerburg; she was one of thirteen children.  She was raised on a cotton farm in Mississippi then in Missouri,  Marie met Edward Nichols, (deceased) in Missouri and married in 1946. After Edward served in the military, they eventually moved to Texas where they resided for fifty years,  Their children are Tommy Michael, Anne, and Roger Nichols; grand children are: John Michael, Lisa, Jason Smith, and Tracy and Kimberly McMinn; great grandchildren: Nikolas Monteblanco, Sophia Nichols, and Abby and Emily Smith: