Carol Jean Nichols

Carol Jean (Sword) Nichols (82) of Bandera, Texas, left this world and was reunited with her husband, Robert “Bob” LaVerne Nichols and her beloved son, Steven Jon Nichols, on March 19, 2025. She passed peacefully, with family lovingly holding her hand as her journey continued onto her next adventure.

Carol was born in Dixon, Illinois, as the second of five girls born to Eugene George Sword and Ruth Elizabeth (Schnorr) Sword. She graduated from Hononegah Community High School in 1961, and married Bob in February of 1964. Carol and Bob raised three active boys, Steve, Mike and Jerry.

Carol worked for much of her early years as a claims adjudicator for the State of Illinois. The family would spend time in Bagley, Wisconsin, during the early years. When Carol and Bob retired, they eventually moved to Arizona, and then to Bandera, Texas, where they lived for the remainder of their lives. Bob passed away in October of 2011.

Carol was an avid quilter and crafter. She would often attend quilting retreats with her sisters and quilting friends. Carol also kept busy with cooking, keeping up with friends, and spending time with family making memories. She cherished her boys, and was proud of the men that they became.

Carol had a wonderful sense of humor. Jerry was the only person she entrusted with the care and cleaning of her fake plastic plants. She was mischievous and funny, while at the same time she had a heart of gold and a lifetime of wisdom under her belt. Carol had opinions, and would often let you know what they were. And, most of all, Carol loved deeply, and was deeply loved.

Carol is survive by her sons, Michael “Mike” (Amy Silvestri) Nichols and Gerald “Jerry” Nichols; grandchildren Jessica (David) Krabbe, Ryan (Amanda) Nichols, Hali (Danny Marcus) Nichols, Jacob Silvestri and Grace Silvestri; sisters Sharon (Joel) Robbins, Phyllis (Roger) Merlet, and JoEllen (Richard) Smith; and multiple great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family. Carol was predeceased by her husband Robert “Bob” Nichols, her son Steven “Steve” (Dona) Nichols, sister Diane (Tom) Popanz, and her parents.

The family would like to thank Carol’s faithful care givers, Candy Nations and Cecelia Haug, her loving family in Bandera, along with Alamo Hospice for providing comfort and care for Carol. Her sons will be forever grateful. A celebration of Carol’s amazing life will he held in Illinois, with details to be provided at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Bandera Funeral Chapel.