Acelee (Gibson) Nickens Obituary

There are only a few people who distinguish themselves and impact our lives in a very special way. MRS. ACELEE GIBSON NICKENS, uniquely displayed her lively, spirited, hardworking, yet loving disposition very well. She took purpose everywhere she went and made herself known to all who came to know and love her.

To this end, we celebrate the life of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, niece, cousin and cherished friend who was born April 10, 1943 to the late Clifford Gibson and Viola Mack Thompson in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Seeking God's direction and guidance, Acelee joined and became a baptized member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Blackville, South Carolina where she joined the choir and remained a member until her passing.

Acelee received her education in the Public Schools of Blackville, South Carolina. She was employed for many years with the Allendale-Barnwell Counties Disabilities & Special Needs Board until her untimely passing.

Having a love for gardening, Acelee's green thumb could be seen in her yards, with her beautiful flower beds. She loved her yard and was very particular on how it looked. She loved farming and for 40 plus years she committed herself to doing just that. She was also well known for growing Watermelon & Cantaloupe, and did up until this past summer.

Acelee Gibson Nickens was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life, James Wyman Nickens and together they raised and nurtured a beautiful family.

On Saturday morning, September 11, 2021, while at The Aiken Regional Medical Center, Aiken, South Carolina, the gates of Heaven swung open. God whispered Acelee's name, beckoned for her to come and she answered God's call. Acelee left this world we know as home and went from labor to reward. What a time she must have had when she joined her loved ones in Heaven!!!

She was preceded in death and now resting with her parents: mother, Viola Mack Thompson and father, Clifford Gibson; her loving husband: James Wyman Nickens; (3) sons: Cleveland Gibson, James Edward Gibson, Sr. and Craigory Lee Nickens, Sr.; (1) sister: Elizabeth Steward; (3) brothers: Ester Bee Gibson, Lester Gibson and Richard Davis; (2) grandchildren: David Shawn Vice and Gregory Nickens; (1) son-in-law: Tommy George; (1) daughter-in-law: Louise Jones Gibson; (2) brothers-in-law: Sam Nickens and George Nickens and (2) sisters-in-law: Rose Ann Salley Nickens and Henrietta Nickens.

The loving and cherished memories of Acelee will be forever implanted in her family's hearts for generations.

Those remaining to celebrate her life, mourn her departure and cherish fond memories are: (6) loving children: Thomas Ann Vice of Barnwell, South Carolina, Sandra Ann George of Williston, South Carolina, Clary Lee Nickens of Barnwell, South Carolina, Deborah Ann Nickens of Augusta, Georgia, Diane Nickens Bussey (Leon) of Charlotte, North Carolina and Angelia J. Nickens of Blackville, South Carolina; (1) daughter-in-law: Tamika Nickens of Denmark, South Carolina; (1) brother-in-law: Wallace Nickens (Louise) of Blackville, South Carolina; (2) sisters-in-law: Mary Louise Nickens and Carolyn Nickens both of Blackville, South Carolina; (5) aunts: Lillie Harris of Texas, Rebecca Garble and Ruby Gibson both of Bridgeport, Connecticut and Maggie Funchess and Emma Perry both of Orangeburg, South Carolina; (2) uncles: Eddie Gibson of North, South Carolina and David Eugene Gibson of Orangeburg, South Carolina; (27) grandchildren: Brandon Vice, Tiffany Vice, Miles Vice, Vandy Brown, Sheena Gibson, James E. Gibson, Jr., Fredrick Dicks, Tommy George, Ferris Adrian Gibson, Stacey Nickens, Calvin Taylor, Jr., Leslie Hagood, Ferris T. Nickens, Jimmy Carney, III., Clarence Felder, Jr., Cameron Bussey, Naughtia Jones Mallory, KeAndra Nickens, Zaria Jones, Craigory Nickens, Jr., Riheim Nickens, Crashaun Nickens, Whinta Nickens, Diamond Nickens, Irish Nickens, Vicky Nickens and Major Nickens; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends.

Thank you, God, for the gift of our Matriarch. We are all immeasurably grateful for having experienced Acelee Gibson Nickens as she walked this way on life's journey for just a little while.