Elizabeth Ann Simpson Nicks
Elizabeth Ann Simpson Nicks was born in Ennis, Texas, on May 11, 1943, and died in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 2, 2021. Ann has gone to be with her Savior Jesus Christ after a twenty-one-year battle with multiple sclerosis.
She was preceded in death by her parents Shirley and Oleta Simpson, brother Don Simpson, and grandson Austin Nicks.
She is survived by her sister, Lou Vavra, her children: Kimberly Mounce (John), Kelly Westman (Dan), Beverly James (GB), and Matthew Nicks; her grandchildren: Natalie Mounce, Alek Wegmann, Reilly Brynildsen, Mackenzie Wegmann, Cole Wegmann, Abbey Wegmann, Cody James, Michael James, Tyler Nicks, and Kalli Haney; 10 great grandchildren: and her husband, the love of her life, Dr. Roy S. Nicks.
A passionate educator, Ann held an undergraduate degree from North Texas State University and a master’s degree from East Tennessee State University. She taught in the Texas public school system and served as a teacher and Dean of Executive Secretarial School in Dallas. As Dean, she acted as a liaison between students and faculty with the Dallas business community. She loved working with women in transition.
From 1992 to 1997, she served as First Lady of East Tennessee State University. In that capacity, she hosted countless events at Shellbridge, for students, faculty, contributors, community leaders and many others. In 2010, the University honored her as Outstanding Alumna.
As a Christian, Ann lived out her faith by following the greatest commandment: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. The second is Love your neighbor as yourself. She started every day in prayer, reading Scripture, and Bible study was a lifelong pursuit for her.
Ann had a special way of showing her love for family and friends. She would send a card with a note of encouragement or a newspaper article of interest or the occasional tough love letter that needed to be written. Ann loved to entertain family and friends in her home and always went out of her way to make them feel welcome. Countless hours were spent drinking coffee, playing cards, and being together. Her love of family was evident to all.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2021, with a gathering of family and friends to be held one hour prior, at Hermitage United Methodist Church, 205 Belinda Dr., Hermitage, Tn. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hermitage United Methodist Church or to the Roy & Ann Nicks Honors Scholarship Endowment at East Tennessee State University.
