Jennifer Ann Crye Nichols

Jennifer Ann Crye Nichols, age 72, passed away peacefully at her home on June 2, 2020 surrounded by family. Jennifer, the oldest of five children, was born January 2, 1948 in Mannheim, Germany to James and Renate Crye. She relocated with her family to Anchorage, Alaska during her teenage years where she graduated from East High School in 1966. On November 13, 1978, Jennifer married her longtime friend and love of her life, Don Nichols. After relocating to Clarksville, Texas, they co-owned and operated The Branding Iron restaurant with Don’s parents Joe and Bennie Nichols. After the sale of The Branding Iron in 1981, they relocated to Natchitoches, La where Jennifer, Don, Joe and Bennie opened The Mariner’s Restaurant on beautiful Sibley Lake. Jennifer always ensured that the patrons of their establishment had a paramount dining experience. As a business owner, Jennifer provided employment for many individuals over the years, whom she cared for and treated like family. She was known by all whom she encountered at the restaurant for her generosity and kindness. Working alongside her husband, her livelihood revolved around the Mariners Restaurant for 38 years until she retired in March 2020. Jennifer’s hands were rarely still, often enjoying sewing and gardening. Her greatest love, however, was being with her family, grandchildren and yorkies. Jennifer is survived by her loving husband, Don Nichols; her daughter Lyssa (Edward) Taylor of Natchitoches; her son Blake (Carolyn) Nichols of New Orleans; and stepson Donny (Annette) Nichols of Bentonville, Arkansas; and grandson Colin Nichols. Step-grandchildren: Ashley Smith; Madeline, Caitlyn and Anna Claire Taylor; Brittany Lynch; Brianna Mott; and Kyle Nichols. Step-great grandchildren: Parker and Paighton Lynch. Siblings: Glenn Crye, Curtis Crye, Kathy Crye and Gwen Bradshaw. Sister in-law Gwen Warren; and a host of caring nephews, nieces, and friends. A memorial service to honor Jennifer’s life will be held on Saturday, June 13th at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Family will receive family and friends from 12:00-2:00, with services immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to St. Jude Children’s Memorial Hospital.