Ann Shannon Nichols

Mrs. Ann Shannon Nichols of Florence passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at McLeod Regional Medical Center surrounded by loved ones. She was 96. Ann was born at McLeod Infirmary on November 22, 1928, to the late Mona Early Shannon and John Ignatious Shannon. She grew up in Florence and after graduating from Florence High School, she worked as a photographer with Belk Department Store, a salesperson with Millers Bootery, and a florist with Tally's Florist before a decades long career with Griffin Watford Dental Clinic. Ann was a proud lifelong member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church. She volunteered with the church in numerous ways over her many years of devoted membership. Ann rarely met a stranger and touched the lives of countless people in so many positive ways throughout her life. She and George were avid bridge players and loved traveling the country as well as following their beloved Gamecock basketball and football teams. Ann was predeceased by her parents, her adoring husband of 54 years George Samuel Nichols, Jr, her brother John Ignatious Shannon, Jr, of Memphis, Tennessee, two sons William Tobin Nichols of Florence and George Samuel Nichols, III, of Anderson, SC, and a daughter Ann Bernadine Nichols of Florence. Ann is survived by two daughters Terry Nichols Shoemaker of Florence and Kathy Nichols Hewett of Asheville, NC, and a son John Shannon Nichols (Michelle) of Columbia, SC. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. The family is grateful to the physicians and staff at McLeod Regional’s Intensive Care Unit for the loving care Ann received during her final days. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, with a vigil starting at 5:00 PM followed by the visitation till 7:00 PM at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at St Anthony’s Catholic Church at 10:00 AM followed by interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Florence. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Building Fund, at 2536 Hoffmeyer Road, Florence, SC 29501, the Jayne Boswell Animal Shelter at 1434 S. McCurdy Road, Florence, S.C. 29506 or the charity of your choice.