June Nichol

June Carolynn Cross Nichol, age 92, of Pine Bluff, passed away on December 10, 2022.

A lifelong resident of Pine Bluff, she was the daughter of the late James Hellums Cross and LaVern Emerson Cross. June graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1947, and graduated from Chevy Chase Junior College in Washington, DC. She transferred to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where she earned her B.A. and M.A. in English and was a member of Chi Omega Fraternity.

June had a successful 42 year-long teaching career at Pine Bluff High School. She brought many innovative changes for her students, including Humanities and the Zebra Girls Dance Team. June earned her second MA degree in Gifted and Talented Education and later her EdD in Death and Dying. She developed the Gifted and Talented Program for Pine Bluff Schools and was its first director. June loved seeing her students succeed and began Olympics of the Mind and Odyssey of the Mind which promoted creative problem-solving skills. She also escorted over 20 groups of students across Europe during the summers.

A 69-year member of Trinity Episcopal Church, she was a Sunday school teacher for 30 of those years. June was also active in the community. She was a past sustaining member of the Junior League of Pine Bluff, and was a past queen of the League’s Charity Ball. She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, The Arkansas Education, National Education, and Pine Bluff Education Associations. June loved hosting her annual Christmas Eve party, painting, working with stained glass, and decorating.

On June 12, 1954, she married Currin McNairy Nichol, Jr., and they enjoyed 59 wonderful years of marriage until his death on January 14, 2013. During their retirement years, she and “Nick” traveled all over the world. They were both loving parents, dedicated workers, and servants of the church and community.

Survivors include her children, Ellen Cross Nichol of Pine Bluff, Currin McNairy Nichol, III, MD, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Marie Nichol Naas (Craig) of Tucson, Ariz.; three grandchildren, Katherine Naas and Ben Naas (Torre), both of Tucson and Will Naas (Haley) of Denver, Colo.; two great-grandchildren, Theo Naas and Bash Naas; and nieces and nephews, Clair Norman, Craig McClain, Jim Cross (Jerene), Jan Cross, Linda Gilmore (Rick), and Carol Cross.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Jim Cross.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 28, 2023, 2 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church with the Rev. Jess Reeves officiating. Private burial will be in Bellwood Cemetery by Fuller Hale-South Funeral Services.

The family extends their appreciation to her caregivers, including Nan Lancaster, Inez Walker, Linda Rowdy, Clodelia Culclager, and Linda Banks.

Memorials may be made to the Humane Society or the American Cancer Society.

For online condolences, please visit FullerFunerals.com.