Mary Reynolds Nichols Howell
Mary Elizabeth Reynolds Nichols Howell (“Mary Liz”), 91, of Bedford, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital in Bedford. Born on January 18, 1935, Mary was the daughter of the late Raymond Earl Reynolds and Beulah Beatrice Manley Reynolds. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her first husband, Troy Lee Nichols (1972), and her second husband, Samuel Orville Howell (2011); brother, Garvis Musgrave Reynolds; sister, Sarah Reynolds Branch; and grandson, Eric Scott Nichols.
Mary is survived by her son, Tony Lee Nichols, of Bedford; grandson, Troy Nance Nichols and his wife, Amanda, of Abingdon; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Burke Nichols and Benjamin Nance Nichols, of Abingdon; daughter-in-law, Gypsy Roberts Nichols, of Bedford; nieces, Bonnie R. McKinney (Billy), of Coahuila, Mexico, Tina Reynolds, of Big Island, Shelby B. Byers (Frank), of Big Island, and Sheila B. Turpin (Dennis), of Big Island; nephew, Garvis M. Reynolds, Jr., of Roanoke; and numerous other family members and many friends.
Mary was a retired postmaster from the United States Postal Service and loyal member of Mentow Baptist Church in Huddleston, Virginia. She loved her church Joy Group and the many special friends she had in the church congregation. Mary was no stranger to hard work. In addition to postmaster, she worked diligently maintaining her farm and garden, and took pride in having an open kitchen where she cooked for so many to enjoy her delicious meals. For many years, she successfully ran her convenience store and restaurant, offering many of the same home cooked dishes. She enjoyed her various initiatives with real estate development and was well respected for having a high business acumen. Most importantly, she loved her family dearly and cherished every moment spent with them.
A graveside funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Mentow Baptist Church Cemetery in Huddleston, Virginia with Rev. Dr. Rick Foster officiating. There is no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mentow Baptist Church, 3282 Mentow Drive, Huddleston, Virginia 24104.
Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.updikefuneralhome.com.
