December 4, 1980 – June 5, 2025
Jennifer Nichols, 44, of Pierre passed away Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Dougherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls.
Funeral services were on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the Pierre Indian Learning Center. Burial followed in St. Paul’s Episcopal Cemetery, LaPlant.
Jennifer Amber Nichols was born on December 4, 1980, at IHS Hospital in Eagle Butte to Darlene Nichols. Her great-great-grandmother, Mary Bowker-Shaving, lovingly named her after her dear friend, Jenny Logg.
During her early years, Jennifer’s family moved to the Pierre area, where she attended Head Start and McKinley Elementary School. Later, they moved to Fort Thompson, where she continued her education at Crow Creek School in Stephan, proudly graduating from 6th grade. The family eventually returned to Pierre, where Jennifer remained through her teen years until she became a mother.
Jennifer was a dedicated and hard worker, known for her time in motel and hotel housekeeping and laundry. She was always ready to lend a hand and help anyone in need.
She was a proud and loving mother of four beautiful children, who meant the world to her. She found joy in simple pleasures: playing bingo on her phone, walking by the river, and spending precious time with her grandchildren: Bre’Ella, Asa, and Kinsley.
Jennifer missed her baby sister, Jessica, dearly. Now they are reunited, and we take comfort in knowing they are together. Jennifer’s love, laughter, and memory will remain with us always, until we meet again.
Jennifer is survived by her children: Kaden (Taylor) Nichols of Pierre, Klarence Nichols of Springfield, Kaitlyn and Kristyn Smith of Promise; mother Darlene Nichols of Pierre; stepfather Larry Gravatt of Ft. Thompson; sister Holly Dupris of Ft. Pierre; great-grandmother Mabel Ann Eagle Hunter; nieces Mary Schad of Pierre, Bryanne Longfox of Mitchell, Saraya, Jessica, and Dana Marie Rouse of Ft. Pierre; nephews Mason Dupris, Ponyboy Rouse of Ft. Pierre, Paul Rouse III of Cheney, WA; grandchildren Bradley, Damion, and Amelia Nichols of Pierre, Kinsley Nickels of Sioux Falls, Bre’Ella Sazue and Asa Fallis of Pierre Anavey, Alaiyah, and TJ Carter of Mitchell, and K. Quentin Dupris of Minnesota; uncle Russell Zephier of Eagle Butte; aunt Brenda Nichols of White Horse; aunt and uncle Wendell and Wendy Phillips; cousins Jacque Frost of Eagle Butte, Jae Paula Condon, Kourtine Gilbert and Angel Gilbert of Rapid City and Devin Phillips of Eagle Butte; and life-long friends Shyleea Whiteman of Flandreau, Brent Whiteman of Pierre, and Shad Whiteman of Sioux Falls.
She was preceded in death by her sister Jessica Nichols; brother Waylon Nichols-Redwing; brotherin- law Bryan Longfox; special friend Penn “Stump” Williams III; grandmother Lavina Phillips; grandparents Helen and Elmer Nichols; great-greatgrandmother Mary Bowker-Shaving; and uncles Jes Thompson, Jaime “Boo-Boo” Thompson, and Gibson Garreaux Jr.
Jennifer will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, and her deep love for family. She lives on in the hearts of those who loved her.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg was in charge of arrangements.