Search by Name

Search by Name

Benita Jo Nicks

1958 - 2024

Benita Jo Nicks obituary, 1958-2024, Gary, IN

BORN

1958

DIED

2024

FUNERAL HOME

Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home

4209 Grant Street

Gary, Indiana

Benita Nicks Obituary

Benita Jo Nicks née Richardson

Benita Jo Nicks, née Richardson, returned to the Lord's loving arms on Friday, December 27, 2024, after living a life defined by kindness, charity, compassion and family. As an educator, she went above and beyond to instill young people with confidence and hope. She taught for the Gary Community School Corporation and later helped establish Ascension Lutheran Christian School. While earning her undergraduate degree at Valparaiso University, she pledged for the Nu Lambda chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Incorporated and recently reactivated her membership to the Gamma Psi Omega chapter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Booker and Mary Richardson, and her siblings, Eric Richardson and Nolan Richardson. Her legacy is carried forward by her loving husband, Michael Nicks, her children, Brelyn Flannelly, Crae Holifield, Jennifer, Michael Jr., Paul and Spencer, siblings Arrie Richardson, Deblyn Vinson, Brenda Richardson and Craig Richardson.

Visitation; Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 12PM-8PM; Public Family Hours 6PM-8PM Smith, Bizzell and Warner Funeral Home 4209 Grant St. Gary, IN 46408.

Thursday, January 9, 2025; Visitation 9AM-11AM; Funeral Promptly at 11AM at St. John Lutheran Church 2235 W. 10th Ave. Gary, IN 46404; Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery Hobart, IN. www.smithbizzellwarnerfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times on Jan. 5, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Benita Nicks

Sponsored by The Times.

Not sure what to say?





Quovadis Estell

January 23, 2025

Robin

January 9, 2025

My condolences to the family. Ms. Richardson was my high school Algebra teacher. Rest in paradise.

Donna Hill

January 9, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences and prayers to the family.

Teare Heard

January 8, 2025

To my former teacher, the one who pushed me never give up, and the individual who always told me “you have a bright future ahead of you” you will be deeply missed. You were such a sweetheart and always helped your students succeed in your class. This is really heartbreaking to even write, but may you rest in peace. My condolences to your family!


Love Teare

Tonya Anderson

January 7, 2025

To Mr. Michael Nicks and family;

On behalf of Premier Oncology/Hematology, Dr. Kurra, Nurses and Staff, please accept our deepest condolences on Mrs. Benita´s passing. We pray that God will grant you the strength you need to get through this difficult time.
John 14:1-2 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father´s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?"

Tonya & Nursing Staff

Eric L. McDade

January 7, 2025

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Patricia Pope-Jordan

January 7, 2025

Benita, what great memories we shared. You were a great person and touched many lives. Forever in my ❤. Love, Tricia

Laverne´s house warming and birthday. Going to miss seeing you

JEANNETTE POPE-OZIMBA

January 6, 2025

What a beautiful salute to Benita one of my sister‘s best friend who always seem to be a part of our family. My family special events, please accept my heartfelt condolences for a woman who was a mother a wife, a sister, a daughter, a best friend I thank God for the impact that she had in the educational system.
In 2014 Bonita asked me to be the speaker for Westside high school graduation ceremony what a honor thank you, Benita. Praying for the family and friends.

Carmen Patton-Dowdell

January 6, 2025

My deepest sympathy to the Richardson & Nicks families. Benita was a kind and gentle person. She was a caring, intelligent educator that always express concern for her students. She was not only my soror, but a friend from high school. She will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.

Charmaine Hopkins

January 6, 2025

Long ago when I attended St. John's I remember Benita as one of the promising young members. May she rest in peace.

Ellen Garlin

January 5, 2025

Benita was a blessing to so many people. She was kind, generous, patient and loving. She will be fondly remembered by her students, friends, family, and community.

Aisha Ford

January 5, 2025

To my former teacher, mentor and beloved sorority sister you will be missed tremendously. May you rest in the arms of our Lord & Savior! Such a kind & gentle soul. Prayers to her family!

Love Aisha

Donna Theus

January 4, 2025

Benita was such a Beautiful person. I remember her from Westside when my Daughter attended, and also through Ada. My thoughts and Prayers are with you . I pray God gives you Comfort and Peace. Memories that make you laugh. Rest in God’s loving arms, Benita❤❤

Winford Harris

January 4, 2025

Rest in peace.

Pat Wilson

January 4, 2025

Michael and Familyno

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. RIH Benita

Hueston Whiteside

January 3, 2025

My condolences to the family of Benita Nicks. Benita was a wonderful friend and neighbor when I lived on 12th Avenue. She was also an inspiration to everyone she touched. I am glad to have had you and your family be an influence in the early part of my life. You will be missed. Rest in Peace

Hueston Whiteside and Family

Ronald Adams

January 3, 2025

My sincere condolences to Mike and Family. May the Good Lord Bless you with Peace. Ms. Benita was a high school classmate of West Side High Class of 1976. She had a beautiful, sweet, personality with a great since of humor. She will be missed. My prayers go out to the Nicks Family.

barbara winfrey

January 3, 2025

May you rest in peace classmate. My condolences to Michael Nicks and family

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

Make a Donation
in Benita Nicks's name

Memorial Events
for Benita Nicks

Jan

8

Visitation

12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home

4209 Grant Street, Gary, IN 46408

Jan

9

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

St. John Lutheran Church

2235 W. 10th Ave., Gary, IN

Jan

9

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

St. John Lutheran Church

2235 W. 10th Ave., Gary, IN

Funeral services provided by:

Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home

4209 Grant Street, Gary, IN 46408

How to support Benita's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Benita Nicks's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more