Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

June 2, 2023

CHARLOTTE – Virginia Clayton Nicholas, a noted Charlotte resident for more than fifty years, died June 1, 2023, at her residence at Southminster Retirement Community. She was 90 years old.

She was born October 5, 1932, in Florence, South Carolina, the only child of Frances Marshall Clayton and Willis Henry Clayton. The family moved to Raleigh, NC when she was three months old, and she grew up in the capital city.

Mrs. Nicholas attended Broughton High School, graduating in 1950, and attended Wake Forest University, where she majored in English and was selected for the prestigious May Court. She married fellow student, Harry J. Nicholas of Valley Stream, New York, in 1952. After Mr. Nicholas ended a four-year career as a professional baseball player, the couple moved to Charlotte in 1958 where Mr. Nicholas was a prominent banker and active civic leader. He passed away in 2005.

Mrs. Nicholas was a member of the Junior League, the Green Thumb Garden Club, and the German Club. She was also a volunteer for numerous civic and charitable organizations. In addition to raising two children, she was an avid gardener and enjoyed playing golf. She and her husband were members of the Quail Hollow Country Club, Carmel Country Club, and the TPC at Piper Glen.

Mrs. Nicholas is survived by a daughter, Debra Dawson of Charlotte and her husband Richard, and a son, H. Clayton Nicholas of Clayton, Georgia. She also has two grandchildren, Clayton Dawson of Charlotte, and Nick Dawson of Medellin, SA.

There will be a private family graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery, where she will be buried next to her beloved husband. Memorials may be made to Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC 28207, or to the donor’s favorite charity.

The Nicholas family would like to thank all the staff at Southminster for their care, love, and support for these past 18 years.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.