Mildred Watson Nicholson

Mildred Watson Nicholson, age 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 3, 2022, at Laurel Lodge Assisted Living in Cleveland, GA.

Mildred was born on December 6, 1931, in Hall County, GA. She attended Lyman Hall High School and was a lifelong resident of Gainesville. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Henry and Maude Key Watson, as well as her husband of over 50 years, John C. Nicholson, Sr., her brothers: Floyd Watson, Robert (Bob) Watson; her sisters: Gussie Watson and Ellaree Watson Dearman.

Together, Mildred and John operated a number of restaurants, Including the Georgianna Hotel & Restaurant, The Imperial Restaurant in the City of Gainesville, & the most memorable being Nicholson’s Drive-In during the 1960’s, A very popular spot for cruising and great food. After they Closed the restaurant, Mildred dedicated her time to helping the less fortunate by serving faithfully at a local food pantry organized by the Southern Baptist Association. She Also Worked Alongside Her Husband John and Son Jerry at Lanier Egg Sales and Was a Faithful, Trustworthy Officer as Secretary & Treasurer Until Almost the End of Her Life. Always an encourager, Mildred lifted the spirits of all who crossed her path, even the caregivers in her latter years.

Mildred loved to cook and was very good at it, whether it be family, friends, or even strangers or customers. There’s no way to count the number of meals served by Mildred and her late husband John. She also loved her home and her flowers and having her family there. That was her passion in life. She was a very faithful member of Central Baptist Church for over 60 years and dearly loved her church family, Pastors, and friends there.

Mildred is survived by her brothers: Dean Watson and Paul Watson; her sister-in-law: Doris Watson (Bob); her children: Jackie, John Jr (Johnny), Jerry and Joey (Angela); grandchildren: Jeff Haynie (Ginny), Joshua Nicholson, Jonathan Nicholson (Jon & Angela), Jeremy Nicholson, Jacob Nicholson (Claudia), Debi Bing (Scott), Cassy Elledge and Derek Standridge; along with numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews she dearly loved.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 9th from 3 to 5 PM and 6 to 8 PM and October 10th from 11 AM To 12:00 PM at Little & Davenport Funeral Home Gainesville Georgia. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 10th at 1 PM at Central Baptist church, 785 Main Street, Gainesville, Georgia, with Pastors Earl Pirkle and Mike Taylor officiating. Burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery with Pastor Boone Strickland officiating.

The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at both Manor Lake and Laurel Lodge assisted living facilities as Well as Inspire Hospice for their care and support of Mildred.

Flowers may be Sent to Little and Davenport Funeral home, and those wishing to make contributions in Mildred‘s memory, may do so to Central Baptist Church.

Those who wish to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.