Barbara Kay Nichols, age 75, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Jackson Madison County General Hospital.

She was born on March 28, 1950, in Tiptonville, TN, to her late parents, Elmer and Nora Brewer Allen. Barbara worked as a correctional officer for Lake County Regional and was also a talented hairdresser. She was an active member of the Ridgely Church of Christ. Barbara had a passion for playing softball in local leagues and enjoyed spending her time going to yard sales and thrift shops. She cherished the moments spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Ridgely Civic Center. Cremation services are under the direction of Dyersburg Funeral Home.

Survivors include her daughter, Amanda Nichols of Paris, TN; a stepdaughter, Renee Bledsoe (Rob) of Ridgely, TN; a stepson, Greg Nichols of Dyersburg, TN; a brother, Larry Allen of Chicago, IL; nine grandchildren, Keely Nichols, Cameron Nichols, Noah Rogers, Micah Rogers, Alivia Bartee, Josh Bledsoe, Caleb Bledsoe, Dylan Nichols and Kayla Nichols; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Grant Nichols; a son, Steve Nichols; five sisters, Amanda "Allene" Wells, Christine Reynolds, Margie Ingram, Dean Hodgkiss and Mary Ann Brewer; and seven brothers, J.W. Allen, Jimmy Allen, Roger Dale Allen, George Allen, Ronnie Allen, Bobby Joe Allen and Tommy Gene Allen.

Dyersburg Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Barbara Nichols. Online condolences can be made to the family at dyersburgfuneralhome.net