Dorothy Jane (Nelis) Nicholson
March 26, 1923 - February 7, 2011
Dorothy Jane Nelis Nicholson age 87 of Anderson died at St. Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis following a brief illness.
Dorothy was born in Piqua, Ohio on March 26, 1923 to parents Frank Allen Nelis and Elsie Mamie (Pruitt) Nelis. She grew up in Dayton, Ohio, graduating from Roosevelt High School there in 1940. She enrolled in Anderson College in 1941. She married fellow-student Robert Arthur Nicholson on June 17, 1944 in Park Place Church of God, Anderson, Indiana. She and Robert have called Anderson, Indiana and Park Place Church of God their home for most of their married lives.
Dorothy received her bachelor's degree from Anderson College in 1946 and later earned her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Indiana University. Dorothy invested her life working with children. As an educator, she worked as the director of children's ministry for the National Board of Christian Education of the Church of God writing curriculum materials, reference material for teachers, and Bible Story books. For 15 years, she served as a curriculum writer and advisor for Warner Press. She has authored several books.
When Park Place Church of God opened a nursery school in 1952, Dorothy was a member of the founding committee, began teaching, and later served as the director for 11 years. As more mothers entered the work force, Dorothy realized the half day nursery school format did not meet the needs of the Anderson Community. Under Dorothy's leadership, the school initiated all-day kindergarten and daycare programs which have benefited thousands of Anderson families. This is the current Park Place Children's Center.
Dorothy and her husband Robert often worked together as a team. They taught the Christian Cogitators Sunday School class at Park Place Church of God for many years. During the Anderson University presidency of her husband Robert, both he and Dorothy hosted countless students in their home as well as many church and community leaders. In 2001, Anderson University honored Dorothy and Robert with the annual Heritage Award. In 2006, Dorothy was honored once again by Anderson University with an honorary doctorate (Doctor of Letters). Dorothy was always eager to open doors of opportunity for her family and others.
Dorothy and her husband dearly loved their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. One of the many ways she showed this love was by making a special customized birthday cake for each grandchild's birthday. She and Robert also had a cookie making party each year at Christmas with their grandchildren. These cookies were shared with members of the church family who needed cheer.
Travel was very important to Dorothy. She, her husband and sons traveled widely in the United States. They led AU Tri-S groups to Japan, England and East Asia. With her husband she visited Europe 18 times, Japan 5 times, Latin America and Caribbean 6 times, Africa 3 times, and around the world on one trip. She loved the enrichment that came from international travel.
Dorothy was an active member of Park Place Church of God, often serving on boards and also as a Sunday School teacher of young children, college students and adults. She was a member of the Tourist Club, Charrissa Club, Golf Group and Quest Group. In earlier years, she served on boards of the Anderson YMCA and AAUW and its Belle Lettre study group.
Dorothy was a marvelous cook and homemaker well known for her hospitality. She and her husband welcomed groups form the church, the University and the community. Dorothy authored a cookbook in 1989 that included anecdotes with many recipes. This cookbook is widely loved and used.
In addition to her husband Robert, Dorothy is survived by her two sons, Paul (Rita) and Gary (Thonja); their 6 grandchildren: Jennifer (Jordan) Slattery of Fortville, IN; Dr. Christopher Nicholson of South Bend, IN; Bethany (Matthew) Holcomb of Anderson, Lisa (Kirk) Bodach of Noblesville, Amy (Larry) Oliver of Indianapolis, IN; Josh Mason of Ann Arbor, MI and six great grandchildren: Maren Holcomb, Bentley Slattery, Benjamin Bodach, Cannon Oliver, Emerson Slattery and Luke Bodach; her brother George (Joan) of Dayton, OH and his extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Elsie Nelis.
Services will be Friday, February 11, at 10:30 A.M. at Park Place Church of God with Dr. David Markle and Dr. David Coolidge officiating. Friends may call on Thursday, February 10 from 3-7 P.M. at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service and Friday, February 11, from 9:30 AM until the service at 10:30 AM at Park Place Church of God.
Memorial contributions may be given to Park Place Church of God Children's Center or the Robert & Dorothy Nicholson Endowment Fund at Anderson University.
E-mail condolences may be sent to [email protected].