Essie May Nichols

Essie May Oglesby-Nichols, 77 of Augusta, passed away on Sunday afternoon, October 5 at her home.

Essie was born on September 2, 1948 in East Prairie, Missouri to Elex Oglesby and Mary Lee Heard. She was the youngest of six children.

As a child, Essie's family relocated to Augusta. She baptized and united with Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Revels, Arkansas. After returning to Augusta in 2004 she reunited with Bethlehem where she remained a faithful member.

Essie received her early education from the Augusta Public Schools. She attended Carver High School in Augusta. After relocating to Chicago, she attended and graduated from Lucy Flower Technical High School for Girls in 1963. She went on to continue her education by receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Chicago State University in 2000.

While living in Chicago, Essie worked for many years in corporate America. She worked for such companies as United Parcel Service and Laidlaw.

Since returning to Augusta, Essie has worked diligently as the city's elected Clerk for 20 years. She had also previously served as the city's first African American female Mayor for a time.

Her husband Michael Nichols, her parents: Elex Oglesby and Mary Heard; her siblings: Willie D., Nettie Frances, Johnella, and Edward all preceded Essie in death.

Survivors are her son Dion Oglesby as well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and close friends she was proud to call her extended family.

A visitation will be held on Friday evening, October 17 from 6 PM until 8 PM at Holy Ghost Academy Church of God in Christ, 927 South 4th Street in Augusta. Funeral services will be held on Saturday October 18 at 2 PM at Holy Ghost Academy Church of God in Christ with Reverend Archie Roark serving as eulogist. Interment will take place at New Quiet Cemetery in Augusta by C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremations of Brinkley (870) 589-5036 and Stuttgart (870) 672-7100 email: williamsfuneraldirectors2022@gmail.com and Web address: www.williamsfuneraldirectors.net <http://www.williamsfuneraldirectors.net>

The pallbearers are members of the city of Augusta Police Department