Earl Arlanzo Nichols

Life Reflection

Earl Arlanzo Nichols was born October 10, 1950 to the union of Ambrose Sr. and Amanda Lee Babbitt Nichols in St. Louis, Missouri. Both parents, five sisters: Lucille, Alice, Marva, Odelia and Ethel; four brothers: George Sr., Michael, Ted and Ambrose Jr.; 2 sons and 3 grandchildren all preceded him in death.

Earl graduated high school from Berkeley Sr. Nigh School in 1969. He accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of Robert S. Johnson, Sr. at the First MB Church of Robertson. Earl restored his membership at First MB Church of Robertson under the leadership of Rev. Cornelius J. Osby. Earl was a member of the Solidarity Layman, on the Pastor Support Ministry and an active member of the Mighty Mate Course Plus One until his health would not permit him to sing.

Earl was employed with Karsen Construction Company for 25 years as a Laborer. He worked for Graybar for over 3 years and then for the City of St.' Louis in the water department for over 5 years where he retired.

On June 30, 2012 he was united in holy matrimony to Debra Johnson. He was the love of her life.

Earl loved to sing and perform, he started at a young age. He entered talent shows at Elzy R. Smith School and as a teenager formed singing groups. He continued to enter talent shows with his groups and bands who performed around the St. Louis area opening for headliner Bands. One group that he performed with was the "Black Experience" that included Steve Luster, Bob Britt and Harrison. He and others formed a club called "The Towne Players", when they gave a party it sho nuff was a party!

Earl's dream was to sing and perform. Earl was the life of the party, when he arrived the party was on. There was never a dull moment especially with the different personalities that he embraced, Professor Nightlinga, Daniel Dupont or Dr. Cogswell . Every-one had a good time because he was definitely a "Conversationalist." He had another dream of opening up a comedy club called "The Tickle Me Experience", he had big ideas for this club. Anyone that knew him Knew of this club, he told everybody! lie always wanted whoever he met to leave with a smile and laughter. He loved to travel with friends and family. Earl always prayed for Robertson and their descendants, he loved his community, had stories of all the things that happened in Robertson and was excited to tell them.

Earl never said "Good-Bye" his patting words were "I Love you and in a minute". On January 18, 2023 at the age of 72, he fought a good fight and went on home to eternal rest.

Earl leaves to cherish his memories and legacy; his wife Debra Johnson-Nichols; 6 daughters, Stephanie, Tiraha, Vivian (Nord), Kathryn Monique, Tiffany and Tracey; 7 sons Rikardo (Quiana), Travis, Earl, Errol, Eric, Di'Maurio and Calvin; 47 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; one sister, Laverne; 4 brothers, Walter (Linda), Melvin, David Earl and Otis (Kelly); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Special friends, Robert Hubbard, Sammy Butler and Anthony (Chipp) Turner who preceded him in death.