Teresa R. Nicholson 1968-2026

She was born May 17, 1968, the daughter of Donald E. Brown and Vivian M. Nichols Brown.

Teresa married Donald E. Nicholson Jr. on June 18,1997, and they enjoyed 29 wonderful years together. She was preceded in death by her mother, Vivian; father-in-law, Donald Nicholson Sr.; and stepdaughter, Shauna Nicholson.

Teresa was a 1986 graduate of Newton Falls High School and a graduate of Kent State University. She retired as manager of ODJFS after over 20 years of service. Additionally, Teresa served her country in the Ohio Army National Guard for a total of nine years and was deployed overseas in Operation Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991. Teresa was serving her second year as commander of Newton Falls American Legion Post 236 and was proud to be the first female commander in over 100 years.

Teresa enjoyed spending time with her husband at their family camp, listening to live music, visiting wineries, playing bingo and enjoying vacations with her son Zayne. She had a bright, beautiful smile and an infectious laugh. Her sense of humor made her a delight to be around, and she could easily lift the spirits of anyone she encountered with her easy disposition and joyful nature.

Teresa’s gift with words brought entertainment to friends and family with many stories of a life well lived, from her years serving in the Army to her days growing up in Newton Falls and surviving the ’85 tornado — an event that inspired her published poem “May 31.”

She had a knack for remembering details and finding humor in any situation. A loyal wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, Teresa was an anchor for those around her, even in the midst of her own trials. Teresa’s endless strength, steadfast wisdom and passion for life will be missed by all who knew her.

Teresa is survived by her beloved husband, Donald Edward Nicholson Jr.; her son, Zayne Edward; her father, Don Brown (Pat Farley); mother-in-law, Carole Nicholson of Bazetta; her sisters, Michele (Brown) Morgan of Warren, Lisa Cleevely (Ken) of North Lima and Melissa Arbis of Beaver, Pa.; brothers-in-law, Bill Nicholson and Terry Nicholson of Bazetta; sister-in-law, Sherry (Joel) Davis of Cortland; lifelong bestie, Vicki (Dee) Howard; and work bestie, Barb Stitt. She also leaves behind Nicki Michelson of Hubbard; Aunt Wilma Calland; Uncle Ron Brown; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls, with the Rev. Jenniefer Dorn officiating. Calling hours will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

She will be laid to rest beside her mother in Braceville Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that all donations please be made to either Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514; or the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County, 812 Youngstown-Kingsville Road SE, PO Box 66, Vienna, OH 44473, in her memory.

Arrangements have been entrusted to James Funeral Home, 8 E. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, 330-872-5440. Family and friends may view her obituary online or send condolences at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.

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