Joyce Hilley Nichols

Joyce Hilley Nichols, 90, of Charleston, widow of James Victor Nichols, died peacefully Thursday, August 18, 2022. Her funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at Grace Church Cathedral, 98 Wentworth Street. Inurnment will follow in Grace Church Columbarium. The family will then receive friends in Hanahan Hall.

Joyce was born September 4, 1931, in Calhoun Falls, SC, the daughter of Mazelle Adams Hilley and Weaver D. Hilley.

Joyce received her Registered Professional Nurse degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1952. She was first married to the late H. Penrod Simmons of Charleston. Joyce later married James Victor Nichols, with whom she traveled extensively all over the world. She was an avid bridge player, attaining the rank of Life Master with the American Contract Bridge League, winning numerous Regional Tournaments in the United States with her partner and friend, Tom Rutledge. Joyce was a member of: Ft. Sumter Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, Grace Episcopal Church, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Society of Charleston, Historic Ansonborough Neighborhood Association, Charleston Museum, Young Women’s Christian Association (Board Member), and held many offices with the South Carolina State Association of Occupational Health Nurses.

She was an animal lover, always owning or rescuing cats, dogs or any other animal needing shelter. Her favorite pastime was reading: everything from the Classics to History to modern novels. Joyce was fond of quoting Charles Dickens and considered him the greatest. She was a true and loyal friend to many, who enjoyed her unequaled sense of humor. The family would like to thank her friend, Lindsey Butler, for being so faithful during the last few years she resided at the Franke Home.

She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Simmons Griffith, and her son, Eugene Penrod Simmons (Laura Carmody); her granddaughter, Elizabeth Simmons Griffith, her grandsons, Charlton Ross Griffith and Rivers Penrod Simmons, all of Charleston; her sisters, Marilyn H. Reid, Shirley H. Crawford and Glenda H. Dunham; nieces, nephews and a stepson, Richard M. Nichols. She was predeceased by her parents; her son, Harold Penrod Simmons, Jr.; and her brother, Gary D. Hilley.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to any local animal charity or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER, INC. (843) 766-1365.