Margaret "Peggy" Nichols

Margaret “Peggy” Nichols peacefully departed this world on November 8th at the age of 95. She was born in Asheville on November 18, 1927, to Margaret Rowe Weddle and Algar Cain Weddle, who relocated from Kentucky to the vibrant new community of Asheville in 1918. Peggy’s educational journey included graduating from Lee Edwards High School and St. Genevieve of the Pines Business School.

Early in her career, Peggy served as a secretary at Moore General, a government installation, where she supported Lt. Robert Guy, the Chief of Information, Education, and Public Relations. Her grace and charm also earned her the titles of Miss Asheville in 1946 and Miss Coastal Festival for North Carolina.

In March 1948, Peggy entered a new chapter in her life when she married Paul Timothy Nichols. Paul took on a role alongside his father-in-law, Algar, and became involved in the family furniture store founded in 1933.

Later in her career, Peggy worked with Carolina Power and Light, where she served under District Manager Julian Stepp, whom Lake Julian was named after. She was eventually promoted to the position of credit manager.

Peggy’s journey took another turn as she embraced the role of a loving housewife, and she and Paul welcomed three children into their lives: Timothy Paul Nichols and his wife Janet, Margaret “Sharon” Sansone and her husband Armando Sansone, along with their son, Spencer Sansone, and Al Nichols and his wife Cathy Nichols, accompanied by their two daughters, Clara and Emma Nichols. Peggy was blessed with two sisters, Jane Herbert of Idaho (deceased) and Nancy Hodges of Mooresville, N.C. and many nieces and nephews. Peggy was also an artist and President of the West Asheville Art Association.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Peggy’s honor at Calvary Baptist Church on Sunday, November 19th, at 3:00 p.m. in Asheville.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Calvary Baptist Church, a place that held special significance in Peggy’s heart.

The Nichols family would like to give a special thanks to Groce Funeral Home for helping in so many ways.