Aug 10, 1943---May 08, 2023

In Loving Memory of

Janet Gail (Epperson) Nichols

1943 – 2023

Janet Gail (Epperson) Nichols, 79, passed away peacefully at her home in Lenexa, Kansas on Monday, May 8, 2023.

Janet was born on August 10, 1943, in Reno County, Kansas as the oldest of two daughters to Galen and Parkalene (Coffey) Epperson.  She graduated from Partridge High School in Partridge, Kansas. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the Emporia State Teachers College with an emphasis in Home Economics, and her Master of Science in Education from the University of Kansas.  She began her teaching career at Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas, where she met the love of her life, her husband Charlie.  Janet and Charlie were married on December 27, 1967, and enjoyed a very long, happy, loving marriage until her death.

The majority of Janet’s teaching career was spent in Family and Consumer Sciences, taking great joy in teaching sewing and cooking to both junior and senior high school students at Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas and Hillcrest Junior High School/Westridge Middle School in Overland Park, Kansas.  She also served as a school counselor at Central Junior High School in Kansas City, Kansas.  She retired from teaching in 1998.

Throughout her life, she took great joy in her family and many friends.  Her creativity and exceptional culinary skills made every holiday and family dinner an event to remember.  Her amazingly positive outlook brought happiness and joy to everyone she met.  Her strength through adversity served as an inspiration to her family and friends.

When she was diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome, very little was known about the disease and little to no resources were available to patients.  She spearheaded the efforts to develop the Greater KC Sjogren’s Syndrome Support Network, bringing in physicians and other medical professionals to monthly meetings to educate and inform not only Sjogren’s patients but their families as well. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Galen and Parkalene Epperson and her stepmother, Vada Epperson Lewis.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Nichols of the home, her children Karen (Terry) McAbee of Olathe, KS and Matthew (Enki) Nichols of Lone Tree, CO, grandchildren Michael McAbee, Kansas City, MO, Christopher McAbee, Phoenix, AZ, Jacob Nichols, Seattle, WA, Julia Nichols, Emilie Clements and Erin Clements, Lone Tree, CO, her sister Patti (Steve) Yust, Sylvia, KS and many beloved nieces and nephews. 

Services will be held at Porter Funeral Home in Lenexa on Saturday, May 13 at 2:00 pm.  Visitation will be immediately prior from 1:00 to 2:00 pm.

 



Condolences

Julia & Larry Chanay May 10, 2023

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our great friend Janet. We will really miss her as we had many fun times together with her and Charlie. We would meet them and go out to eat. We played bunco together and just enjoyed life and catching up on our grand children. We love you, Janet. Julia & Larry

Darcy Smith May 10, 2023

Past student ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Mrs Nichols was a great teacher, not just in school but life. She was an inspiration to me and helped me so much. I have enjoyed seeing her on fb though the years. Prayers for her family and peace.

Scotty Grisell & Karen Grisell May 11, 2023

Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

Our hearts weep for Charlie and the family! She was truly a wonderful woman and a guiding light for all of us to emulate! My heart goes out to one of my most beloved friends, CHARLIE NICHOLS! She will be missed, but her love of life, friends, Charlie, and family will always remain with us all!

Eileen Benskin May 11, 2023

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Dear Charlie and Family, Janet was such a beautiful light to have in one’s company. Her smile was infectious! My father, Leland Wallace, thought so highly of her and you. She will be missed by all who knew her. You are in my heart. In Christian love, Eileen Wallace Benskin

Chandra Ready May 11, 2023

Student of Mrs. Nichols ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Mrs. Nichols was my foods teacher for multiple years at Hillcrest Junior High in the early 1980s. I was a teacher's helper for her, and I absolutely adored her. My family and I still talk about her this day because I love cooking and she was such an influence in my life all those years ago. My sincere condolences to her friends and family, she was one special lady.

Linda Capps May 11, 2023

Sjogren's Group

Janet was such a light to the Sjogren's community and her delightful personality made you feel at home right away. I am so sorry for your great loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to the family.

Janine Bensman May 11, 2023

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Janet was a truly special lady. She was the first person I met with Sjogrens after my diagnosis in 2001. She was so kind and understanding of my feelings. She led our support group for several years and helped so many people. When she stepped down as leader, I tried to step into her shoes. When I wondered what I should do to help someone, I often thought about what Janet would do. Janet’s positive attitude and commitment to education is still present in our group. Her love of her family was always present. Janet will be missed terribly.

Jan Taliaferro Roach May 11, 2023

teacher ,Prairie Vlg ,Kansas

Janet was a gem!! She just did not let her issues get in the way of enjoying life! May your memories of the good times carry you thru these hard ones. With sympathy and prayers from a Hillcrest/Westridge teacher

Lee May 11, 2023

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

I knew Janet and her husband, Charlie when they became residents in Lakeview Village and lived in an apartment at Southridge. She was always smiling and never had a bad word about anyone. I ate with them often at the dining hall and she always carried on an interesting conversation. She knew everyone and was friendly and smiling. She will be missed!

Dana Mroz May 11, 2023

Student ,Smithville ,Missouri

Mrs. Nichols was a fun and inspiring teacher. I was in her class at Hillcrest many years ago. She always had a smile and was a wonderful person. May God bless her family.

Joe McKenzie May 12, 2023

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Janet was a bright ray of sunshine where ever she went. Her smile was a wonderful way for those of us who knew her to brighten our days. She was always a professional and compassionate educator who respected her students. The world lost a bright star today.

Mary Lampton May 12, 2023

Sjogren’s Group ,Lee’s Summit ,Missouri

Janet was a wonderful person and gave so much to help others with Sjogren’s and the related issues. She has been and will continue to be missed by those of us who were lucky enough to know her. She was a class act.

Gene Merrill May 13, 2023

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

I was a neighbor of Janet and Charlie for many years. Both of these incredible people were always smiling and full of joy. I loved talking with them and hearing their story. The first time we officially met we ended up talking about God. Charlie had a number of questions so I invited them to attend a class I was leading at our church. They accepted my offer and attended every session. I learned how intelligent and full of life they both were. I will miss Janet. Charlie, please let me know if I can do anything to help you and your family.

Alan & Beth Eckley May 13, 2023

Cousy ,Olathe ,Kansas

Patti and Steve, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It’s always hard to lose the ones we love so much.

Kim Gillespie May 15, 2023

Charlie and family....so sorry to hear of Janet's death. Sending my prayers for all of you.

Terry Miller May 15, 2023

friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Janet. She was such a lovely lady. I know the pain will never go away but time does help to ease it. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Terry Miller

Crystal K Hoopes May 18, 2023

Former neighbor ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Please accept our sympathy for your loss of such an incredibly spirited woman. We have missed Charlie and Janet since they moved. Janet was always approachable regarding any matter whether it was regards to cooking, baking, sewing or neighborhood concerns. As our children were growing up, Mrs. Nichols' house was always the first stop when trick or treating. She was always interested in what they were doing and what their current interests involved. We will miss her as we know that you will too. David, Crystal, James and Mary Hoopes

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Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
Porter Funeral Home
Address:
8535 Monrovia St.
City:
Lenexa
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66215
Date:
May 13, 2023
Time:
1:00 PM
Google Map:
Event:
Memorial Service
Location:
Porter Funeral Home
Address:
8535 Monrovia St.
City:
Lenexa
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66215
Date:
May 13, 2023
Time:
2:00 PM
Google Map: