Johnnie Nicholson

Posted

Johnnie Nicholson, known by most as O'ma, passed away on July 8, 2018. She was 89 years young.

She was born to Olin Franklin Gunter and Willie Mae Hogg on Aug. 8, 1928 in Jackson, Alabama.

She was predeceased by her husband, Peter Wellington (PW) Nicholson Jr.; her parents; and five of her six siblings.

She is survived by her sister, Faye Gunn (John); her children, Sherry Wesley (Woody) and Larry Nicholson (Barbara); and her favorite handyman, Gene Hyman, who calls Johnnie "mama" and who she treated like an adopted son. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, John and Chris Wesley, and Peter Nicholson; along with her great-grandchildren Pete, Cameron and Jake Nicholson and Kerrigan and Christian Wesley.

O'ma grew up in Carlton but made Pensacola her home where she raised her children and succeeded in her career as the V.P. of Gulf State Theaters.

Johnnie and PW moved quite a bit, calling Gulf Shores, Biloxi and New Orleans home before she settled in Foley, Alabama, where she showered her church family and neighbors with blueberry delight, chocolate pecan pies and chocolate-covered peanuts.

Johnnie had a better memory than most, and never shied away from speaking her mind. If Ms. Johnnie said it, you could be assured it was true.

She charmed with her wit, and was always impeccably dressed. She was an incredible woman who was loved immensely and will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com.