LINCOLNTON, N.C. - Ila Cornelia Yeatts Nichols, age 98, of Oaklin Lane in Lincolnton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

Mrs. Nichols was born October 4, 1926, in Ruffin, to the late Charlie and Annie Mae Trammell Yeatts. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, William Ralph Nichols; sons Larry Wayne and James David Nichols; brothers, Wesley, Leslie, and Leonard Yeatts; sisters, Elma Mae Yeatts, Ellen Doyle, and Catherine Chambers; and daughter-in-law, JoAnna Nichols. 

She is survived by her sons, William Glenn Nichols of Belmont, and Robert Kevin Nichols (Karen) of Lincolnton; brother, George Yeatts of Asheboro; sisters, Carolyn Allen of Greensboro, and Betty Wenger of Richmond, Va.; 12 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. 

Baptized at the age of 12, Ila was a woman of faith.  A devoted member of Boger City United Methodist Church since 1969, she served on many committees and was church secretary under Pastor Joe Ervin.  Blessed with a heart of servitude, it allowed her the opportunity to make many lifelong friendships that she cherished. 

Ila graduated from McClung Business School in 1946.  She worked for Piedmont Airlines and Attorney Sheldon M. Roper, but her greatest accomplishment was her role as wife and mother.  Her love for family was obvious to anyone that met her.  She instilled lifelong lessons of faith, love, and honor to her family to carry on for generations. 

Her funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at Boger City United Methodist Church to celebrate her remarkable life.  Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 12 until 12:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Boger City United Methodist Church, 2320 E. Main Street, Lincolnton, NC  28092.

Warlick Funeral Home of Lincolnton, N.C. is serving the Nichols family.