Homegoing Services Held for Ophelia Nicholas
Homegoing Services were held for Ophelia Nicholas on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church, 641 Masten Ave., Buffalo, New York. The Wake was held at 12 noon, and the Homegoing Service at 1:00 p.m.
Ophelia Charlena Anderson was born on October 15, 1935 in Atlanta Georgia and was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence and Isabelle Anderson. She took eternal rest at her home surrounded by family on December 25, 2023.
Ophelia Charlena Anderson Nicholas
Ophelia learned to play to piano at an early age and played at a local Seventh Day Adventist Church in her community. At the age of fourteen (14), Ophelia left the segregated South and migrated to Buffalo, New York to live with her older sister, Mrs. Margaret Freeman. Her sister, a Spelman College graduate, promptly enrolled Ophelia in Hutchinson Central High School, where she excelled academically.
Following graduation, she enrolled in State Teachers College, which is now known as Buffalo State University. While a college student, she met the life of her life, George W. Nicholas Jr., an army veteran working in Buffalo. They were married on March 28, 1954. Soon after marriage, she became a mother with the birth of her daughter, Lisa. Ophelia was a phenomenal multitasker, balancing the life of a college student, wife, and now mother. Two years later, she gave birth to her son, Brian. Ophelia could be seen walking across the campus with baby in tow.
Upon graduation from Buffalo State, Ophelia began her teaching career in the Buffalo Public Schools. She later continued her education, earning a Master’s Degree in Education. At a very young age, she proved to be a brilliant educator and leader. After only three (3) years in the classroom, she was promoted to Assistant Principal, becoming one of the few African-Americans in a leadership role within the Buffalo Public School system. During that time, she became a mother again, with the arrival of George Franklin, a special anniversary gift in 1963 (March 28).
Ophelia continued to thrive in her new role as Vice-Principal, catching the eye of district leadership. In 1969, the district made the bold and progressive move, appointing her principal of Public School 48. At that moment, Ophelia became the first African-American female principal in Upstate New York. After her faithful service at Public School 48, she was appointed Principal of Public School 82. As an educator, her service and commitment to childhood education extended beyond the classroom. Ophelia fiercely advocated for additional resources to be invested in, what she affectionally called “her children.”
When resources were not available, she often used her own finances to make sure the children had what they needed to succeed. While she was the first African-American female principal, Ophelia made sure she was not the last. Ophelia mentored many young African-American educators and encouraged them to strive for excellence and elevation to strategic positions of influences. She not only mentored, but also fought for other African Americans to have the opportunity to become impactful leaders within the system.
During her journey, Ophelia discovered a new love and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. In classic Ophelia Nicholas fashion, she was motivated to expand her membership role into pivotal leadership and was elected Chapter President. During her tenure, she led the organization to higher levels of community service and professional excellence within the greater Buffalo community. In 1979, Soror Ophelia was instrumental in the transition of the Gamma Kappa Chapter, now known as the Alumnae Chapter, which furthered its legacy of dynamic service to the Wester New York Community.
In addition to her dedication to family, professional, and sorority life, Ophelia was very serious about her spiritual life. She and her husband joined Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church, where she retained her membership up until her passing. Within the church, she again rose to exhibit great passion for servant leadership. Ophelia served as an Adult Sunday School Teacher, member of the Senior Choir, Chari of the Pastor Parish Relations Committee, and Chair of the Administrative Council. Beechwood Nursing Home is an extension of the United Methodist Church, and Ophelia was asked to serve on the Board of Directors. She soon became Chair of the Board and spearheaded Beechwood to critical expansion of their services as well as the development of its current campus.
Ophelia believed in her God, educating children, advancing African-American people and empowering women. She became one of the first African-American women to be a member of the prestigious Zonta Club, whose mission was to uplift and empower women. Ophelia’s presence helped to enlighten this organization on the challenges that women of color face in society.
Over the years, Mrs. Nicholas has received numerous educational, public service and appreciation awards for her life extraordinary accomplishments. Some of those include the Heritage of Caring Award; an award of appreciation from the Buffalo Area Council of Churches; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and Greater Buffalo Red Cross Outstanding Service Award. Her name is proudly displayed on the Freedom Wall located in the city of Buffalo.
She is survived by her husband of sixty-nine years, George W. Nicholas Jr.; her daughter Lisa A. Nicholas M.D., her two sons, Brian C. Nicholas, Pastor George F. Nicholas (Daun Nicholas); Her grandchildren, Lindsey B. Ross, M.D, (Jason Willock), Kristin M. Nicholas, Jared C. Harper, Desmond M. Nicholas, George F. Nicholas Jr., Joel P. Nicholas, Caleb G. Nicholas and two great grandchildren, Gabrielle Willock and Isabelle Willock.
Entombment was held in Serenity Mausoleum of Forest Lawn Cementery. The Thomas T. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc. was in charge of the arrangements.