Mary Lee Nichols, 89, of Swannanoa, passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2016. Mrs. Nichols was born January 24, 1927 in Charlotte, NC. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Mary Lee was a group leader for final inspection with Kearfott for 35 years. She was a faithful member of Berea Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her husband, JB Nichols; son, Thomas Lee Nichols; father, Lee Whittemore; and loving grandmother who raised her, Essie Whittemore. Mary Lee is survived by her daughter, Connie Cort and husband, Gary; son, Zeb Nichols and wife, Chrissie; grandchildren, Mary Carr (Jason), Elizabeth Ray (Brandon), and David Cort (Ashley); and great grandchildren, Charlotte, Emma, Thomas, Olivia, Ona, Felix, and Poppy. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, October 28, 2016 at 1:00pm at Berea Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00am to 1:00pm, Friday, prior to the service time at the church.