Deborah Gene Nichols, age 72, of Roanoke, Virginia, peacefully passed away on January 18, 2023, at her residence. She was born in Indiana, on November 15, 1950, to the late Billy Gene Mullins and Sally Tenney.

Deborah was a proud military spouse for twenty-two years. She was a small business owner, working alongside her husband as CFO.  Deborah loved to shop; whether it was grocery shopping for her family or finding the perfect gift for anyone she loved. She was known for "making her list." She loved to travel; often traveling the country with her husband. In addition to traveling, she enjoyed spending quality time with her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; sharing wonderful memories and making new ones. Deborah loved her family and she would express her love every time she would have interactions with her family; whether it was over the phone, during a family outing or just visiting each other. She was a season ticket holder for the Roanoke Express (Railyard Dawgs).

In addition to her mother and father, she was preceded in death by one sister, Beth Anne Wallis; mother-in-law, Helen Louise Nichols Thornhill; father in laws', George Nichols and Estil Thornhill; four brothers-in-law, Melvin Jackson, and Richard Nichols, Gary Alphin and Thomas Gerrard and a special sister-in-law, Gerrie Nichols.

Those left to cherish precious memories are her loving and devoted husband of fifty-two years, Michael W. Nichols; three daughters, Noelle Hinchee, Christina Maggard (Darel), and Karen Nichols; three grandsons, Joshua Hinchee (Krystal), Zachary Hinchee, and Noah Hinchee; honorary granddaughter, Chelsey Mendoza (Emilio); eight great-grandchildren, Hanna, Jacob, Caleb, Harper, Emma, Carson, Aliyana, and Christian; stepmother, Reba Mullins, stepfather, Ralph Tenney; sister, Rebecca Gerrard (Steve), four brothers, Randy Mullins (Linda), Terry Mullins (Janice), Matt Mullins (Susie) and Paul Robert Wallis (Marissa); three sisters-in-law, Dana Nichols, Claudette "Leigh" Alphin and Patricia Wells (Kenny); and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.