Jennifer Nichols
December 4, 1980 ~ June 5, 2025
Jennifer Nichols, 44, of Pierre, passed away Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Dougherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. CDT, Friday, June 13, 2025, at the Pierre Indian Learning Center. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Episcopal Cemetery, LaPlant. A wake service will be 7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the learning center.
Jennifer Amber Nichols was born on December 4, 1980, at IHS Hospital in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, to Darlene Nichols. Her great-great-grandmother, Mary Bowker-Shaving, lovingly named her after her dear friend, Jenny Logg. Jennifer came into the world with blonde curly hair, blue eyes, and a chubby little smile. Times were tough, and her mother couldn’t afford a stroller at first, so her uncles—Gibson, Jaime “Boo-Boo,” and Jes—along with cousins, took turns carrying her everywhere.
During her early years, Jennifer’s family moved to the Pierre area, where she attended Head Start and McKinley Elementary School. Later, they moved to Fort Thompson, where she continued her education at Crow Creek School in Stephan, proudly graduating from 6th grade. The family eventually returned to Pierre, where Jennifer remained through her teen years until she became a mother.
Jennifer was a dedicated and hard worker, known for her time in motel and hotel housekeeping and laundry. She was always ready to lend a hand and help anyone in need.
She was a proud and loving mother of four beautiful children, who meant the world to her. Though life brought its share of challenges, Jennifer’s love for her children was constant and deeply rooted. She found joy in simple pleasures: playing bingo on her phone, walking by the river, and spending precious time with her grandchildren—Bre’Ella, Asa, and Kinsley.
Jennifer missed her baby sister, Jessica, dearly. Now they are reunited, and we take comfort in knowing they are together. Jennifer’s love, laughter, and memory will remain with us always, until we meet again.
Jennifer is survived by her children: Kaden (Taylor) Nichols of Pierre, Klarence Nichols of Springfield, Kaitlyn and Kristyn Smith of Promise; mother: Darlene Nichols of Pierre; stepfather: Larry Gravatt of Ft. Thompson; sister: Holly Dupris of Ft. Pierre; great grandmother, Mabel Ann Eagle Hunter; nieces: Mary Schad of Pierre, Bryanne Longfox of Mitchell, Saraya, Jessica, and Dana Marie Rouse of Ft. Pierre; nephews: Mason Dupris, Ponyboy Rouse of Ft. Pierre, Paul Rouse III of Cheney, WA; grandchildren: Bradley, Damion, and Amelia Nichols of Pierre; Kinsley Nickels of Sioux Falls; Bre’Ella Sazue and Asa Fallis of Pierre; Anavey, Alaiyah, and TJ Carter of Mitchell; K. Quentin Dupris of Minnesota; uncle: Russell Zephier of Eagle Butte; aunt: Brenda Nichols of White Horse; aunt and uncle: Wendell and Wendy Phillips; cousins: Jacque Frost of Eagle Butte, Jae Paula Condon, Kourtine Gilbert and Angel Gilbert of Rapid City, Devin Phillips of Eagle Butte; and life-long friends: Shyleea Whiteman of Flandreau, Brent Whiteman of Pierre, Shad Whiteman of Sioux Falls.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Jessica Nichols; her brother, Waylon Nichols-Redwing; brother-in-law, Bryan Longfox; special friend, Penn “Stump” Williams III; grandmother, Lavina Phillips; grandparents, Helen and Elmer Nichols; great-great-grandmother, Mary Bowker-Shaving; and uncles: Jes Thompson, Jaime “Boo-Boo” Thompson, and Gibson Garreaux Jr.
Jennifer will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, and her deep love for family. She lives on in the hearts of those who loved her.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Jennifer’s arrangements.
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Jen!? Girrrrl – I’ve always wondered about my childhood bestie & I’m so sad this is where I found you.. my heart 🙁 I hope you lived a great earth life, Jen and I hope you live yet an amazing afterlife. You were the coolest, rezziest, toughest, prettiest, funniest “white girl” I knew. You made my childhood a better place – even with all the trouble we got in lol. Jen – that big smile, big green eyes, curly dirty blonde hair, bow legged walk with a big ol dip of chew in her mouth lol – miss & love you girl. Tell your sis I said hi & miss her too!
May God wrap his arms around her fam in their time of sorrow. My condolences, love and prayers to you all.