Mary Helen

Nicholson

Mary Helen Sims Nicholson transitioned from the earth on Monday, November 17, 2025, at UAB Hospital with JaShonna by her side. Helen was born to her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. William and Annie Ruth (Ratcliff) Sims on August 21, 1945. She was the third of nine children created by this union.

At an early age, Helen dedicated her life to Christ and became a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Rose Hill, Mississippi.

Helen married the love of her life Ronnie Frank Nicholson and their union lasted until his death. Helen enjoyed fishing, baking, dancing, listening to music and taking care of her grandchildren.

Helen graduated from Hickory High School, and she later attended Gateway College in Racine, Wisconsin, earning her license as a cosmetologist and barber.  Helen worked in the East Jasper School District for over 30 years as a bus driver.  Helen loved her job so much that she returned to work after retirement, and she was known as "Bus 97 Queen."

Helen leaves to cherish her memories: daughter, Deborah Nicholson of Rose Hill, MS; sons, Ronnie Frank Nicholson, Jr. of Rose Hill, MS, Spencer Tracy Nicholson of Marlin, TX;  brother, Willie James Sims (Joyce) of Lawrence, MS; sisters, Cora Davis (George) of Rose Hill, MS, Georgia Bender of Lawrence, MS, Annie Lee Evans of Newton, MS; aunt, Bee Taylor, of Hattiesburg, MS, two grandsons she helped raise, Shannon Nicholson (Monique) of Newton, MS, Damian Nichols of Rose Hill, MS, one great-granddaughter she helped raise, JaShonna Nicholson of Rose Hill, MS, one special grandson, Quantarius Harrison of Paulding, MS, three special cousins, James Lindsey Jones, Stanley Jones, Annie Louise Sims, a host of grandchildren, Ronnie, Jakavius, Jahem, Brittney, Cierra, Jamal, DeMarcus, Cierra, Davon, Javon, JD, Antonio; nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters, Carolyn Sims and Sandra Sims, brothers, Otha Lee Ellis and James Harvey Sims.