Jonnie Nichols Chitwood

Mrs. Jonnie Mae Nichols Chitwood, 94, of Hartwell, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 3 at her home.

Born on May 1, 1932, in Hanceville (Cullman County) Alabama, she was the beloved daughter of Garland Morgan Nichols, Sr. and Ethel Grubbs Nichols. From an early age, Jonnie was known for her kind spirit, strong sense of responsibility and a deep love of family. These qualities remained constant throughout a life rooted in faith, service, and a quiet strength.

Jonnie was the heart of her family – a loving, strong, talented, selfless and delightful woman whose presence brought comfort and joy to everyone who knew her. She devoted her life to diligent work and caring for others, always putting the needs of family and friends before her own. Her kindness knew no limits and her silent strength, evident goodness, and remarkable talents touched countless lives.

A woman of incredible inner strength, Jonnie faced life’s challenges with faith, grace, resilience and unwavering determination. Her talents were many, whether through her oil paintings, catering and cake decorating, her custom draperies and quilting business, or the immeasurable gifts she shared with those around her. She had a special ability to make each of her family and friends feel unlimited love, value and endearment.

Jonnie’s wisdom was treasured. Her unconditional love was inspiring. She created a legacy of compassion, humility, perseverance, and service to others that will inspire generations to come.

Jonnie is survived by her loving children: Donna Chitwood Christian of Dewy Rose; Lonnie Chandler Chitwood, Jr. (Kathryn) of Bowersville; and Rebecca Chitwood Contreras (Frank) of Hartwell. Additional survivors include her grandchildren: Shannon DeWitt (Ben); Laurie Partain Lunsford (Andy); Heather Partain Keating (Jason); Amy Rebecca Crittendon; Jason Chandler Chitwood; Mary Nicole Crittendon (Mel), in addition to numerous great-grandchildren and great-great -grandchildren and other relatives and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of sixty-eight years, Lonnie Chandler Chitwood, Sr.; a grandson Frank Nicholas Crittendon; and all of her siblings: Margaret Burns, Herschel Nichols, Madeline Lynn, Iris Holmes, Grady Nichols, Edgar Nichols, Garland Morgan Nichols, Jr., and Don Nichols.

Though she is no longer with us physically, her vibrant spirit, the lessons she taught, the memories she created, and the love she gave will remain in our hearts forever. Even in grief, her family takes comfort in knowing Jonnie has received her well-deserved wings. In the words of one of her favorite hymns, she has flown away “to a land where joys shall never end” in that “home on God’s celestial shore.”

A service to celebrate her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Strickland Funeral Home in Hartwell Georgia with Aubrey Prestridge of the Church of Christ officiating. 

The family will receive friends at Strickland Funeral Home in Hartwell Georgia on Saturday June 6, 2026 from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. 

Burial will be in the Mt. Olivet Church of God Cemetery next to her beloved husband immediately following the service.

We take comfort in knowing that Jonnie’s beautiful spirit lives on and in all those who were blessed to know and love her.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements