Dora Elizabeth (Woods) Nuchols

Dora Elizabeth Nuchols (Woods) May 24, 1934-April 12, 2024

 Dora Elizabeth Nuchols (Woods) died peacefully at home on the morning of April 12, 2024. She was 89 years old. Dora was born in Ridgeland, South Carolina and graduated from high school there. While working for the South Carolina Highway Department, she met Sidney Nuchols, who was stationed at the nearby Air Force base. After a whirlwind courtship, they married in 1954 and moved to Maryville, Tennessee, Sid’s hometown.  

Dora spent the next twenty years traveling with Sid to the places the Air Force sent them — New York, Michigan, Nebraska, Puerto Rico, Arkansas — and she made dear friends wherever they lived. During these years, she was busy raising their two daughters, Genora (Eley) and Susan (Hall), who were both born in those early years of marriage. Dora was a dedicated wife and mother. She had the heart of a teacher and served as a teacher’s aide for the special education class at the local school in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Dora loved children and animals, opening her heart and her home to those in need, both two-legged and four-legged, and even winged. 

 After Sid’s retirement, they moved to Calhoun in 1971, where their third daughter, Rebecca (Roberts) was born. Dora put down roots in Calhoun, literally, as an avid gardener, and figuratively, as a second mother to many. She also made lasting friendships with her neighbors, where she was the person to whom many turned, whether for a cup of sugar or for a listening ear. Dora loved to laugh, loved to read, and loved music. After Sid’s death in 2006, she became a member of the Georgia Mountain Music Club, where she was a regular source of boogie-woogie entertainment. Music Club became like a second family to her, especially her dear friends Sue Cheeks and Evelyn Shuler, who were like sisters. Her infectious laugh, sweet smile, and generous spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

 Dora is survived by her daughters, Genora Eley, Susan Hall, and Rebecca Roberts (Brad); her grandchildren, Leighanne Eley, John Hall, and Rachel Hall; and great-grandchildren Isaiah, Marleigh, Natalie, and Sydney. Other surviving family members include her sister-in-law, Jo Nuchols and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Monday at Max Brannon Funeral Home from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with a graveside service on Tuesday at 1:00 PM at Haven of Rest Memorial Park, 3736 Red Bud Rd NE. Calhoun, GA. Honorary pallbearers are the members of Georgia Mountain Music Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the American Heart Association.

 The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Dora Elizabeth Nuchols (Woods).