Dana Marie Nichols, 83, widow of Roy Lucian Nichols, of 128 Wellington Court, and formerly of Staunton, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2014, in Augusta Health, Fishersville.

Mrs. Nichols was born on August 4, 1931, in Coeburn, VA, a daughter of the late Beecher James Sr. and Beulah Edna (Tate) Welch.

Dana attended Memorial Baptist Church and was a member of the WMU organization. She worked as a Finance Director for the Fairfax County Public Schools and enjoyed playing bridge, traveling, and reading.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Nichols was preceded in death by a daughter, Debbie Nichols and a brother, Beecher James Welch, Jr.

Mrs. Nichols is survived by a son, Dr. Steven Nichols of Amherst; a sister, Betty Staten of Kingsport, TN; and a number of nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 5, 2014, in the Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory.

A Celebration of life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2014, in the Memorial Baptist Church by Pastor Mark W. Jones.

A graveside service will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 7, 2014, in the Fairfax Memorial Park Cemetery, in Fairfax, Virginia.

It is suggested those desiring make memorial contributions to Amherst Cares, C/O Emmanuel United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 451 Amherst, VA 24521.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of her arrangements.