01/08/2024
Marcia Lynn Nichols passed away from complicated medical conditions on January 8, 2024 at the Knoxville Area Community Hospital surrounded by family.
Marcia was born March 31st, 1955, in Knoxville, Iowa, and was the daughter of Leonard and Patricia Nichols. Marcia attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School in Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School in 1973. After graduation, Marcia attended UNI and the University of Iowa and studied Political Science.
Services for Marcia will be held on Saturday, January 13th at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Knoxville, visitation will be from 9:00 am to 11:00 am with the family present, and funeral services will start at 11:00 am. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville at a later date.
Marcia’s legacy lies within many that she mentored over the years. Marcia never settled for complacency, she was a constant agitator for change and growth. She has been described as a force of nature, a friend, an advocate, and someone you always want in your corner. All these words that describe her are true, but none quite capture how remarkable Marcia was – she tirelessly advocated on behalf of women and Iowa working families her entire lifetime all while serving as the Political Director for AFCSME.
Marcia received many awards and accolades in her professional career. In 1999 she was named Honorary Colonel in the Iowa State Militia by Governor Tom Vilsack. In 2011 she was inducted into the Iowa Democrats Hall of Fame; in 2019 she was inducted into the Iowa Labor Hall of Fame; but her real achievement in life is that she reached “World’s Greatest Aunt” status to her nieces and 
nephews.
Shortly after retirement in 2018 Marcia moved home to Knoxville to be with her mother, and to further spoil her nieces and nephews daily. She will be greatly missed by all family, friends, and colleagues.
Marcia is preceded in death by her father Leonard, nephew Tony, great nephew Gage, and her beloved dog Jinx.
Left to cherish her memories are her mother, Patricia, her two sisters Pam (Dewey) Crow of Hot Springs, AR; Maureen Nichols of Knoxville IA, her brothers Kevin (Jackie) Nichols of Cameron, MO; Christopher (Rebecca) Nichols of Knoxville IA, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.