Mr. Joseph Nichols, 73, of 2284 Hosier Rd., Suffolk, died January 23, 2003, in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

He was a native of Nansemond Co. and the widower of the late Jessie Mae Nichols and the son of the late Willie and Lizie Boone Nichols.

He was a member of Mt. Ararat United Church of Christ where he was a Trustee, Sunday School teacher, and past president of the Youth Department. He was also the past president of Local 5-390. He was a retired farmer, and had worked at the National Screen factory for more than 30 years. He had also worked at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and Division of Motor Vehicles.

His survivors include one son, Joseph M. Nichols (Susan E.), Petersburg; two daughters, Clara Skinner (James) and Vickie Harris (Charles), all from Suffolk; sister, Mrs. Evelyn Spencer, Newport News; and seven grandchildren, Danielle Lassiter, James Skinner Jr., Bridget Harris-Bailey, Charles Harris Jr., Nicole E. Nichols, Alicia Nichols, and Carissa M. Nichols; six great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends; a devoted friend, Rita Allmond; two sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, in Mt. Ararat United Church of Christ by Dr. H. Harvey Murriel.

Interment will be held in Lauder Skeeter Cemetery, Suffolk.

Crocker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.