Patricia A. Nicholson

Patricia A. Nicholson, age 82 of Massillon, Ohio, took her last breath peacefully the morning of Thursday, September 17th, 2026, after succumbing to colon cancer for the second time. The daughter of Johnathan and Willie Mary (Williams) Spotwood was born on June 16th, 1944, in Manhattan, NY. Raised in Queens, NY, “Pat” graduated from Flushing High School and later relocated to Pasadena, CA where she was an employee/student at Ambassador College. In 1972, while worshipping at a church retreat in Mt. Pocono, PA, she met Ray D. Nicholson of Alliance, Ohio. The two married the following year on August 26th, 1973.

In her earlier years, Pat enjoyed a competitive game of pinnacle, fabulous music and a spin around the dance floor as if her life depended on it! Spending quality time with close friends and relatives was a normalcy she looked forward to without fail.

Pat held various managerial and director positions throughout her professional career. Her most prominent employers were… The Urban League, Indian River School, Massillon Community Hospital and SCCAA. As a lover of “The Arts” she cherished her vast collection of albums representing historical theater and soundtracks. She was a worldwide traveler, fashion seeker and dedicated spiritual believer.

Preceding her in death were both parents and her brother Melvin Spotwood of Richmond, Virginia. “Tricia” is survived by her daughters Rae’Shaun P. Nicholson, Shylynda D. Nicholson, “bonus chosen son” Craig C. Smith, sisters Jeanette Davis (West Orange, NJ) and Joy (Spotwood) Harris of Columbia, SC. Three (3) grandchildren, Quinten, Chelsea and Destiny. Eight (8) great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and beloved friends she cared for dearly.

A memorial service for Patricia will be held on October 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home, 1100 Wales Rd NE, Massillon, Ohio 44646.