Dr. Walter Laplora Nichols' Obituary
Walter Laplora Nichols was born on August 31, 1938, in Raymond, Mississippi, to James Wilbon Nichols and Louis Raynard Nichols. He was married to his beloved wife of 63 years, Louise F. Nichols who preceded him in death. He was a brother to Bernice, Armarie, James Leo, Cleopatra, Jolyene, Earnway, James Matthew, Curtis V., Sam V., Lillie Ruth, Malcom, Gloria, and Willie C. who all preceded him in death. He is the eleventh child of sixteen. On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, God decided to call him home to his final resting place.
Walter was a graduate of several schools. He graduated from Sumner Hill High School in 1960. He also graduated from his beloved Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelors Degree in Education in 1963, obtained his Master of Arts from Northern Illinois University, and a Doctorate Degree in education from Independence University.
Walter was born and raised in Davis Hill Baptist Church in Bolton, Mississippi and then became a member of Second Baptist Church in Joliet, Illinois, until he relocated back to Mississippi.
Walter started his education career as a teacher at Fairmont Jr. High School located in Lockport, Illinois, he then moved to Argo Community High School from which he retired in 1999.
He was a proud member of the following organizations: Ashby B. Carther #138, Maequette Joliet Consistory #104, Al-Hamid Temple #222, Phi Beta Sigma, Board of School Inspectors for District #86, M.V.S.U. Athletic Hall of Fame, SWAC Hall of Fame Class of 2009, Who's Who Among Black Americans, Sumner Hill High School Fall of Fame, American Football Association Class of 1997, 33* Mason, M.V.S.U. National Alumni Hall of Fame.
Left to cherish his memories are: his children, Anthony L. Nichols (Hattie) and Kala Nichols; sisters, Deborah Weathersby and Daisy Mae McDaniels; grandson, Robert Anton Nichols (Tiffany); great grandchildren, Amaya, Mariyah, Karter and Charlee; godsons, Joe Bridges, Lavell Rucker and Jerry Walker; lifelong friends, Mose Bishop and Jerome Henderson; a host of family and friends.
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