“Grief is not the absence of hope or faith. Grief is the true and proper response to what ought not to be. It is the visceral evidence of love. We do not grieve over the death or ruin of something that does not matter. Nothing matters more than what and who we love.” -Lancia Smith

And Sue None Wright Nicholls mattered. When you are born with no middle name, which becomes “None“ by default as it happened for Sue None Wright on December 22, 1928 in Talladega, AL, you can choose to allow the proverbial chip on your shoulder to persist, or instead use the perceived slight for motivation, inspiration, and fuel to fire the firecracker in you. Sue chose the latter. Sue was “spicy” throughout her childhood, an attribute that intensified with adulthood into elderhood and ultimately until her passing on April 17, 2024.

Sue matriculated at Graham Elementary School to Talladega High School, where she excelled and was an active member of the following organizations: Honor Society, Talladega High School Band (drummer), Annual Staff, Victory Gardens, USO, Glee Club, Student Service Council, Latin Club, and in various years was elected in her class as Head Cheerleader, Class Poet, Class Favorite, Secretary, Treasurer, and President. She was honored to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award from Talladega High School in 1991.

Sue attended Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, VA before transferring to the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa where she met her future husband over a bridge table. They married and moved to Mobile where Sue began her teaching career. After two years, they moved back home to Talladega where she taught at several public schools before opening Toddle-In School, a pre-k through kindergarten program that elevated the IQ of area tiny humans for almost 30 years.

She always said she was blessed to have a job she truly loved. Her former students would probably argue they were the lucky ones as she touched literally hundreds of young Talladegans, evoking them to laughter, compassion, and a love of learning. Sue remained active with her college sorority, Delta Delta Delta, and the professional education sorority, Delta Kappa Gamma.

Sue lived all but five of her 95 years on earth in Talladega where she was active in Junior Welfare League, Holly Garden Club, Highland City Club, Talladega Study Club, and was named an Outstanding Citizen of Talladega. She remained active in her church, First Presbyterian of Talladega, for almost 70 years, and received the Honorary Lifetime Membership from the Presbyterian Women in 1991.

Nothing mattered more to Sue than what she loved – children (not just her own, but all kids), animals, sports, travel, her church and faith, teaching, music, friends, and most importantly, family. After 95 years of life, she leaves behind a multitude of people to grieve her because she mattered.

Survivors -

Children: Susan Nicholls Reeves (Mike), Barry Graham Nicholls (Anna), Brooke Nicholls Nelson (Tom)

Grandchildren: Lauren Reeves (Justin Simmons), Skylar Reeves, Allen Graham Nicholls (Shelley), Brooke Nicholls (Ben), Drew Nelson (Jessie), Cole Nelson (Leah), Graham Nelson

Greatgrandchildren: Truitt Flink, Liza Flink, Calla Simmons, Crew Rodriguez, Ryett Rodriguez, Mason Nicholls, Willa Nicholls, Eliot Zimmerman, and Phineas Zimmerman

Nephews/Nieces: Lyon Wright (Leslie), Martee Selden Hewitt (Jamie), Inge Selden (Liz), Jack Selden (Kathy), Edith Selden Ezell (Larry)

If we wanted to romanticize her passing, we would opine that she was at long last joining in heaven the love of her life, husband Andrew Barry Crook Nicholls, as well as others who preceded her in death - all to whom she mattered.

Preceded in death by -

Parents: Louis Graham Wright and Martee Lyon Wright

Siblings: Mary Jane Wright Selden and Jack Lyon Wright

Nephew: Thomas Lawson Selden

Great Niece: Callie Wright

Cousins: Walter Belt White, Charles Louis White

In lieu of flowers, donations and memorials can be made to:

First Presbyterian Church of Talladega, 130 North Street East, Talladega, AL 35160 or

your favorite Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia-related organization.

Active Pallbearers:

Lauren Reeves

Skylar Reeves

Allen Graham Nicholls

Brooke Nicholls

Drew Nelson

Cole Nelson

Graham Nelson

Honorary pallbearers:

Lyon Wright

Tom Nelson

Martee Selden Hewitt

Inge Selden

Jack Selden

Edith Selden Ezell

Tom Selden (posthumously)

Margaret Nicholls

Bonnie Reeves

Dot Suttle

Laura Welch

Patricia Traylor

Alberta Cunnigham

Patricia Elston

Annette Scales

Barbara Morris

Funeral Arrangements for Sue Wright Nicholls-

Sunday, April 28, 2024

First Presbyterian Church of Talladega, AL

12:30 PM - Family to gather

1 PM - Visitation

2 PM - Service at church with graveside to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Talladega for family/close friends.

Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com.

Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is directing the service.