April Nichols

September 18, 1976 - May 10, 2026

April Nichols, a devoted mother, loving wife and true servant of God, went home to be with her savior on May 10, 2026 at the age of 49. She was surrounded by the family she cherished the most, held in the love she so freely gave throughout her life.

Born on September 18, 1976, April built a life rooted in unwavering faith, deep love and selfless giving. She was the cornerstone of her family creating a warm, welcoming home filled with laughter, grace and never-ending love. Her steadfast faith in the Lord guided her every step, giving purpose to her days through her work in physical therapy and her dedicated service to her community and church. April’s compassionate spirit, generous heart, and lasting contributions to the Floyd County Community and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will be felt for generations to come.

Above all, April’s greatest joy was found in time spent with her family and her dear friends she considered family. She treasured countless camping trips, where she found peace in the beauty of God’s creation sitting by a crackling fire surround by those she loved most. She often said her “perfect day” was a simple one: gathered around a fire with her family, wrapped in love, laughter, and the blessings of togetherness. April had a rare gift for making people feel seen, valued and cared for, offering encouragement, laughter, and comfort in ways both big and small.

April was preceded in death by her niece Kelsea Jade Nichols, and her grandparents: Sherman and Geneva Moran, Cleveland and Malinda Harris. Forever left to cherish her memory includes her best friend and beloved husband of 27 years Duane and their beautiful daughters Olivia Grace, Karlie Aliza [Matthew] and Ella Rose Marie. Her parents: John and Margaret Harris, Brother: Scott [Stephanie], Mother-in-Law: Arnetta Nichols, Brothers and Sisters in Law: Nila [Ricky] Poff, Pamela [Jonathan] Vest, Tuff [Angie] Nichols, Winky [Faith] Nichols, Rachel [Tray] Baker and Michelle [Adis] Mehmedovic. Nieces and nephews: Mason Poff, Shane Nichols, Tristan Vest, Shawn [Miah] Nichols, Dillon [Makayla] Harris, Amber Harris, Emma [Jesse] Bishop, Paxton Vest, Jared [Katie] Nichols, Jaden Paige Nichols, Winslet Vassar, Peyton Harris, Waylon Baker, Malachi & Hezekai Mehmedovic. Great Nieces and Nephews: Ivy Nichols, Stetson Bishop, John Carter Harris, Ezra Jo Nichols and Molly Bishop. Numerous Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. In addition to her family, April was deeply blessed with an extraordinary circle of friends, work family, and neighbors whose lives are forever changed by her love, kindness and unwavering presence.

April’s passing leaves our world dimmer, and she will be missed beyond words. She was the calm in every storm, the steady in moments of chaos, and the one who always seemed to know exactly what to do and say. Every memory of her is filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of the best hugs in the world. Her presence was a gift, her love a comfort, and her absence will be deeply felt forever.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2pm on Saturday May 16, 2026 at Gardner Funeral Home with Pastor Greg Cox and Pastor Mike Varner officiating. . There will be a time of visitation from 12pm-2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Medical Charities of Floyd Co. VA memo: The Nichols Family.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for all family and loved ones. May God hold you in his arms and give you comfort.

We are so deeply saddened to hear of April's early passing. May the Lord wrap his arms around you all and provide peace.

Prayers for the family

God called home his beautiful Angel as her work on earth was done! Love and Prayers for all the family during this difficult time.

Gino and I are so very sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and your family.

I am so very sorry to hear of April's passing.. Sending prayers for strength and courage in the coming days. May God surround you with his love. Kevin

John, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.🙏❤️

April was such a wonderful person. I was blessed to teach her, coach her and watch her grow into a wonderful Christian Mother! My heart breaks for your family!

Sorry very sorry to hear this. April always had a wonderful smile and a kind word anytime I seen her. Prayers to her family and friends.

There are no words to express how sorry I am for your loss. Such a beautiful light gone from this world. My condolences and hugs go out to you.

April's family are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers!

Dewayne and daughters I had the honor of working with precious April at PRA before you guys got hitched and for some years after. What a bright light she was to everyone's day. I am at a loss for words and so very sorry for your loss. You and all of her family and friends are in my prayers.

When I first met April during my internship for physical therapy training, I knew she was a special person. She didnt have any kids at the time but was married. She had the patience of Job. Im a better person for having known her. I was taught by the best.

So sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this time and going ahead! God Bless all of you!

To April's Family, My thoughts and prayers go up for each of you. April was not only a classmate but a very special friend. Her love and compassion will be felt for years to come. May God's loving arms surround you now and in the days to come ✝️🙏❤️ Blessings, Angie Sowers Class of 94'

April was a joy to work with; always so positive and a hard worker. She was such a godly person, good friend to her colleagues and showed so much love for her family. She will be missed and remembered.

I am so very sorry for the loss of April. I have so many fond memories of her, from all the laughter we shared with the Drama Club (in actuality, it was a Comedy Club) at Topeco Church to FloydFest and other locations. She was always having fun with family and friends. I will forever remember her for her contagious smile and the most positive outlook on life, regardless of the hurdles involved. May God give you the strength, comfort and hope during this most difficult time. Fly high, sweet April!

Duane and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I will continue to pray for you.

April was my physical therapist and became a friend. We spoke 2 to 3 times a week over the last year. April was so much in love with her husband. The smile that would light her eyes when she told us about their adventures camping, or working in the yard. She loved him and her girls! She was looking forward to the trip to Sturgis this year. She spoke of her close relationship with Mom and Dad. We just talked a few weeks ago about Dad’s successful reverse shoulder surgery. She was looking forward to helping him with his rehab. To all of her family….We are so sorry for your loss. We know how much you are hurting, and our family grieves for yoy but no tears for April. She is rejoicing with Jesus and we will see her when we get there. Be strong and know, we will see her again!💕

April always was able to see the good in any given situation. She helped me more than once while I worked with her. I was always in awe of her unending energy to help others. I am glad that our paths have crossed. My life is better for it. Sophie and I will miss her dearly.

So sorry for your loss.

Sending prayers and blessings to your family.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Harris and Nichols families. April was always sweet and loving to everyone that she met. Her smile was infectious and I always enjoyed the time we spent playing basketball and softball. I am truly sorry for your loss. May God comfort y’all in this time of need.

Sorry for yeah loss she will be missed prayers for the family.

Deepest condolences to your family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

So sorry for your loss. Let us know if you need anything.

I'm very saddened by the loss of this beautiful Angel. April was my first therapist when I broke my first femur in 2004 and when I learned she was my dear friend Margaret and John's beautiful daughter, I knew why I loved her. She was such a blessing. She will be missed so much. Prayers for all of her family and friends.

You were the sweetest friend, co worker anyone could have the pleasure to know. You will be missed dearly your legacy lives on sweet girl❤️ with your girls 🌹🌷

To the family, I had the privilege of volunteering alongside April for many years on the Cystic Fibrosis Walk planning committee and participating in the walk, witnessing her family flourish. I am deeply saddened to learn of her passing, yet I find solace in the enduring legacy she leaves through her remarkable daughters. May her memory be a guiding light, inspiring us all to live with purpose and passion. She will be profoundly missed. With love and admiration, Kaili

April will be missed by everyone who knew her, most especially by those of us who worked shoulder to shoulder with her on a daily basis. April was our rock, the one you could always look to when life got a little chaotic. April gave us all so much. She was our boss, our inspiration, most of all she was our friend. Well done, indeed April, well done.

We are so sorry for your loss and can’t imagine your grief. We are praying for you all now and the days to come! 💔❤️

My heart aches for your friends and family at this time of deep sorrow..

My heart and prayers goes out to all of you.. God please touch this family and give them peace they need. Let them know you will help get them through this.

My deepest condolences to you all. April and I attended school and grew up together and I stayed at John, Scott, and Margaret’s house often when April wasn’t in a pageant. So many memories and pictures from our earlier childhood..She had so many sweet qualities and was so passionate about her work and family that she loved and cherished. I will be praying for you all.

My heart breaks for all. April was a beautiful loving woman. She and her family have always been special to me. Prayers for His love and comfort.

I had the pleasure of working with April for 10 years. What a kind, steady, thoughtful presence, always with a good word or well thought out sage advice. I send deepest condolences and prayers to her lovely family 💕

So sorry for your loss, prayers for the family 🙏 G.C. & Rhonda Spangler

I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart and thoughts are with your family❤️

Sorry to hear bout April.. Life is way to short for all the good ones .. will be thinking of all of yall .

Praying for everyone 😞

To John Margaret and Scott Harris and all the Nichols family I’m keeping you all in my thoughts and remembering all the good times growing up in Willis All the sandlot ball games and even when all of us had our kids playing ball everybody was there like one big family. You knew April was a one of kind the first time you would meet her. Those are the moments I’ll remember. May God bless you all during these times.

We are so very sorry to hear of April's passing. We are praying for healing hearts for all of you! Much love and prayers.

God loaned her for a while, I think, to teach us how to live and love. We are grateful even as we grieve her loss. We will see her, again, at that Great Reunion in Heaven. Remember her smile for it was a light that will never dim. God bless you and give you peace and comfort.

Thoughts and Prayers

Will always remember April's beautiful warm smile and her loving and caring personality. So sorry for the family's loss. Sending love, hugs and prayers at this difficult time.

April, was such a wonderful friend and therapy for Sherman. He was so tiny when she started working with him. We learned a lot on how to help him and she was always willing to help me when I need someone to talk too. She will forever be in our hearts, and her family in our prayers and thoughts.

So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and the entire family.

We're so very sorry for your loss. Our family will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Prayers of healing for Duane, Olivia, Karlie, Ella and the wonderful Harris /Nichols clan. April was a coworker for 20 years and most of all a cherished friend. Her kindness, her smile and level headedness in any situation left me humbled every day. Her hugs were the best!!! Working beside her was a gift! She will forever be in my heart and memories of her will give me strength and help me see the joy in every new day! I love you April!!❤️

My heart goes out to the family and friends . Praying for comfort and healing ❤️‍🩹

Very sorry for your loss. I will be remembering your family in prayer for the difficult days and months ahead.

Our hearts break for you all, prayers upon prayers, we are so sorry for your loss. Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

May God comfort you all during this time, sending hugs and prayers

Sending you peace, comfort, and healing as you navigate this devastating loss. Although you cannot hear her voice or see her smile no more, your mother walks beside you still just as she did before. She listens to your stories and she wipes away your tears; she wrap her arms around you and she understands your fears. It's just she isn't visible to see with human eye,but talk to her in silence and her spirit will reply. You'll feel the love she has for you - you'll hear her in your heart; she left her human body but your souls will never part. With Deepest Sympathy Love and Prayers

I had the privilege of working with April. What a wonderful lady! She seem to always have a smile on her face. What a beautiful person. She will be missed by many! She is an angel now keeping watch over her family!

I am so sorry and saddened to hear about the loss of April. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.

I am so sorry this happened. The light that was April will never go out. Her light,love will always be with you. Love , Lorie

John, Margaret , So sorry for your loss!

April was the most beautiful, fun, generous, and caring woman. Praying for you all and sending you love. -Ally, Madi, and Sophie Ramey

Sending lots of hugs and prayers to all today and days to come.

Our family is praying for you all. April was a such a kind soul and will be so missed.

Sending love to each of the girls. Your mother has built strong young woman. Please allow me to help in any way I can. Daphne Damen- Physicians to Children.

im so sorry for your loss she will be missed i will keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers mayTHE LOVE OF GOD ease your pain

April you were one of the best. You always took amazing care of your family and put others before yourself. You were always the one who made us all laugh. Rest easy angel

So very very sorry for the loss of your loved one she was a very special person

My heart goes out to each of you April worked with Nicole when she was little she was always so sweet and kind praying for all of you love in Christ.

Our deepest sympathy to the whole family. We are praying for you. May God give you strength to get through the days, months and years ahead.

I had the privilege of working alongside April for 12 years at Carilion. April was an inspiration to all who knew her. She led her life with love, grace and compassion as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, therapist, and friend. She was the calm and steady force in so many lives. She made those around her better. Even after leaving Carilion, I was blessed to stay in touch with April and even have her rehab my hip post surgery. I had to have the best and April was the very best! I’m still so thankful for the beautiful book for children about Heaven that she gifted Sage and Sydney at Paul’s funeral. Please pray for her beautiful family especially Duane, Olivia, Karlie, and Ella as they navigate this difficult journey . Even though I won’t get to see or talk to my friend anymore, it brings me peace to know she is in God’s Kingdom. I love you April! 😘

There are no words to express the hurt I feel for this family, may God bless and heal each one of you. My sympathy and prayers will continue 🙏 💔

So so sorry for your loss. Yall are in our thoughts and prayers.

I’m so sorry for your loss. April was a kind soul. I know she’s at peace in heaven. I’ll be praying for your family.

My family is thinking of you all. May you find strength and healing during this difficult time.

April was an extraordinary woman and inspiration. She was a person to look up to deeply and I am truly better for having known her.

We're so sorry for your loss! April was a beautiful soul.

Thoughts and prayers for the family. So sorry for the loss of such a precious person.

Please know we have mourned with you during this time. May Peace and love from our Heavenly Father help the Nichols family and the Harris family. God Bless.

Our deepest sympathy for the loss of this wife, mother, daughter. Praying that God will wrap you all in His arms and comfort you.