Martha Janet Nichols (Gentry), 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 11th at the Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo, MS. Janet was born in Baldwyn, on March 23rd, 1937 to Winnie and J.P. Gentry.
She grew up in Baldwyn, surrounded by a large family and countless friends, and graduated from Baldwyn High School in 1955, where she was a cheerleader, and served as Salutatorian. After graduating high school, she went on to attend Northeast Junior College, and then on to Delta State University where she graduated with a degree in Home Economics in 1959.
While she was at Northeast, she met the love of her life, Bobby Gene Nichols. They got married on July 10th, 1960, and have had a loving marriage for 65 years. Their relationship serves as a testament of unconditional love, and an example of a true lifelong partnership. After getting married, Janet and Bobby moved to Laurel, where Janet taught Home Economics for a number of years.
After having her two sons, Chris and Tim, she stayed at home with them while still being involved in various community and church activities. Janet was a true testament to the title of Homemaker, a role she embraced with pride and joy. She had a remarkable talent for making her home a warm and welcoming place, filled with her delicious homemade meals, and the setting of numerous family events and parties. Sharing recipes with friends, making dishes for others, and feeding those she loved in her home were some of her favorite activities.
Janet and Bobby lived in Gulfport, Laurel, and Baldwyn throughout their marriage. During their time residing in each of these places, Janet enjoyed playing bridge and bunko with various groups and being involved in the local community and churches they were members of (First Baptist of Gulfport, Laurel, and Baldwyn).
Janet was also an avid Mississippi State Athletics fan. She and Bobby were season ticket holders for football, basketball, and baseball. Attending games together was one of their favorite activities to enjoy together. She was a lifelong, proud Bulldog fan.
Another joy of her life was her two granddaughters, Allison and Hannah-Rose. She spent countless hours hand-smocking and sewing dresses for them and baking their favorite treats. Janet was a devoted, caring grandmother and served an example of strength and resilience to them throughout her life.
Funeral services will be held at Waters Funeral Home on Sunday, February 15th, 2026 at 2pm with Dr. Terry Cutrer and Judge Charles Pickering officiating. Burial will be in Prentiss Memorial Garden.
She is survived by her loving husband, Bobby Gene Nichols; her sons, Chris (Janice) Nichols and Tim Nichols; her granddaughters, Allison (Jake) Gartman and Hannah-Rose Nichols; and her brother, Walter Gentry.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Winnie and J.P. Gentry; her brothers, Enoch (Martha Anne) and Terry Gentry; and her grandparents, Nick and Lorena McGee Waters and Thomas D. and Jannie Moffitt Gentry.
Janet Nichols’s life was a reflection of her gentle and loving soul. She touched the lives of all who knew her, leaving a lasting impact of kindness, compassion, and grace. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her influence will continue to be a guiding light to her family and friends.
Visitation will be held Sunday, February 15th, 2026 at Waters Funeral Home from 1pm – service.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Sanctuary Hospice House in memory of Janet Nichols.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family @www.watersfuneralservice.com
