Lana Nichols, age 82, left this world to be with God on Monday, June 1, 2020 at Plano, TX. She was born on January 9, 1938 in DeQueen, AR to Wayne and Clara Crenshaw Gentry. Lana graduated with honors from the University of the Redlands in California at the age of nineteen.
When she began her teaching career at Idabel many of her students were as old as she was. Lana taught a total of 24 years in Idabel as well as 19 years in California. She was always a popular teacher due to her unique understanding, enormous talent, wonderful personality and of course her radiant beauty. Lana was a former Idabel Teacher of the Year and also a runner up for State Teacher of the Year. A member of numerous teaching organizations including the IEA, OEA, NEA, OAGCT, CEC and the McCurtain County Retired Teachers Assn.
An accomplished musician, she could play the piano by sight or by note. She did the music for "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Music Man" for Idabel Community Player's. At an early age she actually played for Bob Hope as well as others. Lana also shared her love of music with her students.
Lana was an avid sports fan, her favorites being football and golf. She was a member of the Lynn Lane Church of Christ.
Lana was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, friend and teacher. She loved people, her home, her sons, her grandchildren and the special love that she and Troy shared. The ones who are truly loved never die and she was loved so much.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Clara Gentry; and an infant son, Baby Nichols.
Lana is survived by her husband, Troy Nichols of the home; sons, Tony Nichols and wife, Bethany of the Redland Community, OK and Wesley Nichols of Blythe, CA; grandsons, Morrison Nichols, Taylor Nichols and Max Nichols; a granddaughter, Randi Nichols Ussery; a great-grandson, Kurtus James Ussery; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and a host of former students.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2020 at the Denison Cemetery with Virgil Romine and Tom Williams officiating.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at the funeral home.
Due to concerns regarding the Covid 19 we will be asking that attendees help us in following the guidelines on capacity and social distancing.
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