Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Warner Temple AME Zion Church.  Burial will follow in Calvary Memorial Cemetery.  Visitation is 4:00 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home.

Fourth of fourteen children, Fannie was born November 30, 1944, in Aynor, SC, to Fred and Tenner Riggins.  Fannie Riggins Nichola peacefully departed this life on Thursday, September 12, 2024, in Durham, NC.  Fannie was educated in the public schools of Horry County, SC. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age.  Fannie married James Lester Nichols in May 1962.  Shortly afterwards, they relocated to Wilmington, NC. This union was blessed with four children.  The family joined St. Andrew A.M.E. Zion Church in Wilmington.  Years later, her husband, whom she affectionately called "Baby", was called into the ministry.  It wasn't long before she became the First Lady of St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church in Shallotte, NC; then, Blackwell Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Leland, NC; and Christian Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Winnabow, NC.  She spent sixteen years as First Lady of Evergreen A.M.E. Zion Church in Delco, NC, before her husband retired.  Fannie loved to sing, cook, and spend time with her family.  To help support her family, she worked in the dry-cleaning, hospitality and healthcare industries.  Her very strong personality was always on full display.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of forty-three years; great-grandson: Jai'mani; brothers: James Graham, Fred Riggins, Jr., and L.B. Riggins; sisters: Shirley Crawford, Tina Ann Gerald, and Elease Riggins.  Fannie left an indelible mark on the hearts of her loved ones. Those who will cherish her memories include her daughter: Cynthia Nichols Brickle (Lamont); sons: Lester Nichols (Lorrie), Carl Nichols (Renee), and Cyril Nichols; grandchildren: Brandon (Shana), LaToya, Keisha (Anthony), Tevin, Camry, and Shukira; great grandchildren: Jaylin, A'mani, Breon, Sanai, Keegan, and Maleni; brothers: Ronnie Riggins and Steve Riggins (Lisa); sisters:  Tryfenner Gerald, Mary Crawford, Louise Williamson (Mack), Bernice Riggins, and Christain Long (Victor); additional brothers-in-law: Donald Nichols, Joe Nichols (Blondella), John M. Nichols (Linda) and Leroy Brunson; additional sisters-in-law: Janie King and Eleanor Nichols; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.