Brenda Mays Nichols

Brenda Mays Nichols, 84, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on July 1, 2026. She was born October 3rd, 1941, in Roanoke, Virginia, the daughter of the late Robert Edward Mays Sr. and Martha Board Mays. Brenda Nichols worked and retired from Appalachian Power Company in Fieldale, Virginia, and then devoted herself and her time and volunteered at her church and charity organizations in and around Martinsville, Virginia. Brenda is preceded in death by her granddaughter Emily Dale Bowman whom she loved very much and is now able to dance with her in heaven.

Brenda lived in Martinsville for 50 years and truly loved the area. Brenda loved to decorate make beautiful floral arrangements and wreaths. She loved visiting antique stores, markets, and unique shops, but more than anything, she loved her family. Brenda loved every minute that she could spend with them, whether watching them play a sport, dancing, gymnastics, or just shopping and sharing a meal with each other. She just loved being close and spending time with them. She was a loving mother and Nana.

Brenda is survived by her daughter, Mitzi Dale Louis Nichols Bowman and her son, Jamie Bowman; daughter, Heather Claudine Nichols Helms and her husband, Charles Andrew Helms and their children, Kaitlyn Klotter and Aaron Helms. She is also survived by her son, James Ralph Nichols III “Trey” and his wife Connie Hughes Nichols and their children, Trinity Nichols and Presleigh Nichols.

Brenda is also survived by her brothers, Terry Edward Mays and his wife Debbie Mays, Robert Edward Mays Jr. and his wife Leanna Mays, and James Duke Mays and his wife, Allison Mays.

Brenda is also survived by her 5 loving great grandchildren: Lilah Dale Bowman, Kaiden Bowman, Adalynn Bowman, Opal Klotter, and Olive Klotter.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Freedom Baptist Church. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, with Pastor Greg Corcoran officiating. Burial will follow the service at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, VA.