Mother Catherine (Thomas) Nichols

NICHOLS, CATHERINE THOMAS

Catherine Olivia Nichols was born on October 11, 1939 in Oxford, North Carolina to the late John Thomas and Marion Ruth Spruill-Sprewell Thomas. She peacefully passed away on December 7, 2025.

 Catherine was lovingly known as “Teen”.  She was truly a loving, strong, caring, kind and generous lady. She was highly intelligent, creative and extremely crafty. Catherine would always bring a smile to the room. Catherine took up faith and began practicing Nichiren Buddhism in 1975. She joined the SGI chorus, was a group leader in Camden, NJ, a district leader in Virginia Beach, Va and Chorus director in Gates, North Carolina. In 2016, Catherine moved to Georgia and there she continued to play an active role in her district activities. She was lovingly known as the “matriarch” of the district.

Catherine loved singing and performing. In the 50’s & 60’s, Catherine aka Teen sang with the Swans, Dreamers, Harriet Lavern and The Love Notes, The Sweet Three at Sumptner school and Hatch Middle school. In 1974, she sang with The Mellow Moods (Tell Love Hello), and 2+2.  

Catherine was also a background recording artist. She performed background vocals for many. Teen and her sister Jean were well known. She sang for Philadelphia International Sound, Jerry Butler, Lou Rawls, Barbara Mason, The Intruders, Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, The Ojays, and she was the original background singer for song “The Monster Mash”. Until this day, her and her sister’s (Teen and Jean) voices are heard all over the world.

In 2005, Catherine received an Award of Nobility for The Still Standing Project from Beverly Collins Roberts. Catherine graduated with an associate's degree in sociology from Camden County College. She worked for The City of Camden Insurance Department where she built and initiated an automatic payroll insurance deduction system for current and new employees. She retired from Camden County where she received a Proclamation on October 25, 2000. Catherine was loved by many.

Catherine had quite a few hobbies which included traveling, reading, craft work and most importantly, the going to the Casinos.  

Most of all, Catherine loved her family. She was always there when called. She was mom, aunt, grandma and Nana. She thoroughly enjoyed the roles she played in her family.

Preceding her in death are her parents; Marion and John Thomas, sister Jean Thomas, her son Lynwood Allen Nichols III, and her niece Chyrisse Ruffin. 

She leaves behind those to cherish her precious memories and carry on her legacy: Her loving daughter, Ebony (James) Henderson. Granddaughters: Tanisha (Semaj) Nichols-Bronson, Tanika Nichols, Kala Kaufmann, Grandsons: Jahid Nichols, William (Charity) Kaufmann Jr, Jamal Kaufmann, Christopher Kaufmann Great Grandchildren: Tyee White, Tyra Stanley, Semya Bronson, Labrea Stanley, Lamira Bronson, Semaj Bronson Jr., Semauri Bronson, Khlo’e Bronson, Kacie Bronson, Stori Nichols, Royal Nichols, Lyric Kaufmann, Amaya Kaufmann, Israel Kaufmann. Great-Great Grandchildren: Sakeri Adams, Amir Samuels Jr., Dakota Stanley, Noah Bronson, Angel Bronson and a host of nieces and nephews.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mother Catherine (Thomas) Nichols, please visit our floral store.