Sunny Victoria Gornto Nichols, age 81, passed into Eternal Glory, Monday, September 2, 2024, at her home in Ocean Isle Beach, NC, after a long bout with two complex diseases—Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s dementia. Sunny passed in the comfort of their home with her husband, Jim at her side.

Sunny was born in Waycross, GA on July 10, 1943, to James O. and Mary Virginia Giddens Gornto.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years-James G. Nichols, Sr.; sons: James G. Nichols Jr., of Sturbridge, MA; Matthew Clayton Nichols (Patti Marie) of Greenlawn, NY; daughter: Mindy Louann Threlkeld (Barry) of Hope Mills, NC; and grandchildren: Carly Victoria Nichols and Ashton Lee Threlkeld.

Sunny’s name portrays the “real person” as she spread love and sunshine to all persons she encountered, right up to her final days, regardless of her pain. She was a stay-at-home mother to their three children-participating in their school activities, their afterschool activities, their arts training, and was the primary “chauffer” for the many activities of the three children.

When soccer was first being introduced into the USA in the 1970’s, Sunny was one of the first, female youth soccer coaches in California. In her high school and college years she was a competitive springboard diver and swimmer and in college was a cheerleader for all sports. Her “escapes” were her music talents, playing the piano and playing the guitar while singing. As an adult, while living in Cape Cod, the courts recognized her as a Qualified Sign Language Interpreter for those in need of such services in the Courtroom.

She was a supportive help mate to her husband as his professional work caused them to live in SF, Chicago, NY, Boston, and NC—disrupting the household each time. During her husband’s absence as a military officer in the Vietnam War, Sunny served as the Assistant to the Executive Director of the Waycross/Ware County Chamber of Commerce in Waycross, GA.

Throughout her life her passion was animals of all kinds, but especially their dog, Camile, and her miniature donkeys which were used on their farm for therapy with children with Autism.

Throughout her life, wherever they lived, she, along with her husband, helped their family to remain Christ Centered and were active with the local Church of Christ Congregation.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Brunswick Funeral Service, 5229 Ocean Hwy West, Shallotte, NC 28470. The Memorial Service will follow in the funeral home Chapel at 11:00 AM. Following the service a reception will be held at Ocean Ridge Plantation, 351 Ocean Ridge Pkwy, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469. The burial will be later in Waycross, GA.

If so inclined, memorials may be made to: Robeson County Humane Society {beginning home of her “wonder dog”—Camile} at Donate - ROBESON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY (weebly.com) or to Tebeau Church of Christ, 1402 Tebeau Street, Waycross, GA 31501 {Sunny’s church as a child}.