GOLDA Lillian Nichols could be found every morning at 5:30 on her knees, offering up prayers for family, friends and anyone else she thought needed a blessing.
It was faith that guided Golda's life and made her a person who was always looking for a way to help those who needed her special brand of compassion and love.
"She was a perfect example of caring for others," her family said. "She was an adviser, giver and a great friend. She would lend a helping hand to anyone who was in need."
Golda Nichols, who was in demand for the products of her seamstress skills, a dedicated church member and family matriarch, died Sunday. She was 88 and lived in South Philadelphia.
She was born in Philadelphia, one of the eight children of Harlan L. and Mary Agnes Robinson. She attended Walter George Smith Elementary School, Barrett Junior High and Philadelphia High School for Girls.
"She took pride in striving for academic excellence in school," her family said.
She and her family became members of Tindley Temple United Methodist Church, on Broad Street near Fitzwater, under the pastorate of the church's founder, Dr. Charles Albert Tindley.
She made her first dress at the age of 12, with the help of her grandmother, Bessie Bolden, and dressmaking eventually became her profession. She was in demand for her special wedding dresses, as well as other lovingly made gowns and outfits. She herself was always well-turned-out, with special attention to hats.
She also was a teacher at a Christian nursery school.
Golda wrote a number of gospel songs, which the family discovered after her death.
Her family described her as a "prayer warrior."
Golda also had a fine sense of humor, and was famous for her pithy sayings. One was, "Mother only goes one way."
In 1942, she married Henry Richard Nichols Sr., an employee of the school district. They had five children.
"Golda loved God and taught her children to believe and trust in God," her family said. "She believed that with God nothing is impossible."
She is survived by a son, Henry R. Nichols Jr.; three daughters, Carolyn L. Evans, Paulette M. Nichols and Dona Nichols Jones; a brother, Bishop Robert T. Robinson; a sister, Yvonne C. French; 13 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a daughter, Joyce Ann Brown.
Services: 6:30 p.m. Friday at Yesha Ministries, 2301 Snyder Ave. Friends may call at 4 p.m. Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery.
