Joyce A. Nichols

Joyce Ann Nichols, 79, of Sedalia, passed away Sunday, June 7, 2026. She was born April 5, 1947 to John L. and Bertha Mae (Arnold) Cairer in Sedalia, MO.

Joyce was raised in Sedalia and graduated from Smith-Cotton High School in 1965 and then from Central Missouri State College in 1969. On November 25, 1977, at Memorial Baptist Church in Nelson, she was united in marriage to Donald Ray Nichols.

Joyce was a gifted teacher and taught 30 years in the Sedalia school system and then taught 12 years at Applewood Christian School, retiring in 2015 after 42 years. She was a member of Community Retired Teachers and Mo State Teachers Association.

She was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church and through the years had taught Children’s Church, Kid’s Club, and Ladies Sunday School. She and Don seldom missed a service and had deep friendships in their church family.

Joyce had a kind spirit and was deeply loved by those around her. She was seldom without a smile, even during the last months. She was so ready to “go home” to Heaven these last few weeks and faced her last days with great faith.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and husband Don.

She is survived by two brothers, Col. John Cairer (Linda), of Oak Grove, and Glenn Cairer (Deborah), of Sedalia; and a special sister-in-law, Debbie Davis Kessler (Tim), of Kansas City.

Joyce’s request was for a family graveside service at a later date where her and Don’s ashes would be buried together at Miller’s Chapel Cemetery near Nelson, Mo.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Calvary Baptist Church or Miller’s Chapel Cemetery in care of Heckart Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Heckart Funeral Home and Cremation Services.