Erma Dean Duke Nichols, 88, of Indianola, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at her home.

Erma Dean was born January 24, 1936, in Isola, Mississippi, to Louie and Maggie Duke. She grew up in Isola on the family farm. Erma Dean grew up strong and believed she could do anything she set her mind to. She was a bank teller at Planters Bank for over 35 years before retiring at age 80. Erma Dean was an incredible seamstress, a task she learned from her mother and passed on to her own daughter. She even made many of her children's clothes when they were growing up. Erma Dean made the most wonderful pecan pies and enjoyed making them for her family and friends. She was a member of First Baptist Church where she was a member of the Golden Circle Sunday School class. Erma Dean loved her family more than anything and genuinely cared for everyone she knew.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louie and Maggie Duke; her husband, N.T. "Billy" Nichols; three brothers, Louie Carl Duke Jr., Richard Neal "Shot" Duke, and Bud Duke; sister, Frances Gray, and her son, Larry Willoughby.

Erma Dean is survived by her son, Don Willoughby of Phoenix, Arizona; daughter, Debbie Willoughby of Indianola; stepsons, Randy Nichols (Sarah) and Stan Nichols; stepdaughter, Sandi Nichols McLemore (Stacy), eleven grandchildren, Austin Willoughby, Timothy Willoughby, Ashley Willoughby McPhail (Marcus), Brent Willoughby, Chris Pope (Pamela), Charlotte Johnson (Leon), Will Nichols (Cheryl), and Elizabeth Lott (Jacob). Laine Staten, Brian Bailey (Bethany), and Erica Smith (Jason); and numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 12, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, at Burton Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM with Dr. Guy Burke officiating. Afterwards, she will be buried at Caile Cemetery. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.