Martha Fisher
Martha Nichols Fisher, who was known by all as Nicki, died on March 14, 2024 at age 96 of congestive heart failure, leaving behind a slew of surprised family members and friends (and one dog) who thought she would outlive them all. Nicki was probably the one most surprised that she didn’t.
Nicki was preceded in death by her husband of over 56 years, Robert (Bob) J. Fisher, III.
Nicki was funny, quick-witted, smart, adventurous, competitive, and a boon companion who loved to travel, play golf and bridge. Nicki was a good shot, enjoyed a glass of wine (or two….), and never stopped looking for her next big experience. Heaven is a lot more fun now that Nicki’s there.
Nicki was born Martha Louise Nichols on June 12, 1927 in Gary, Indiana, to the late James Urvin Nichols and Ethel Maurine Joss Nichols. The family moved to Chattanooga when Nicki was young. From the start, she was a tomboy and had spunk. (Happily, unlike Lou Grant, her family members didn’t hate spunk….)
She attended Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga and Randolph Macon Women’s College before transferring to Duke University, where she was a member of the Delta DeltaDelta sorority. But it wasn’t all parties; her degree was in math and science.
She met Bob Fisher on a college trip to Florida, where he left a note in a tree for Nicki to arrange their first date. That certainly made an impression—and a good one. They married after graduation, in 1950. Her marriage and family became the focus of her life. She and Bob had two daughters, Linda Fisher Prichard of Old Hickory, Tn., and Donna Jeanne Fisher of Highlands, Nc., who survive her. The young family settled in Athens, where she was active in Trinity United Methodist Church, taught Sunday school, served on the YMCA Board of Directors, and was president of the PTA at City Park School.
Nicki, Bob and their girls took adventure-packed family trips abroad, and she and Bob continued their travels after Linda and Donna moved away from Athens. They played golf, they danced, and she played bridge—and did she ever love to win. She also bested Bob at shooting in the personal gun-carry test they took when they were 70. She bought her first computer that year and tracked her investments. The former math major never lost her touch.
Even after Bob died in 2006, Nicki didn’t lose her sense of adventure. In her 80s, she swam with the dolphins in Florida, she went on an African safari, she rode a jet ski, she went up in a cherry-picker just to see the tops of trees, and she was hoping to go kayaking in her 90s.
Her dog, Bonnie, was the great love of her life in her later years and the sentiment was returned. Bonnie’s affection was both evident and important when Nicki broke her neck in her 80s. Kenny and Ginger Axley of Wagg N’ Purr boarded Bonnie at that time and took her for daily visits while Nicki recuperated in the assisted living facility (which made Nicki and Bonnie both wag their tails!). We are forever grateful for the Axleys’ kindness. They made a huge difference in Nicki’s life.
The family wants to express deep gratitude to Linda Keller, who has also made an enormous difference in Nicki’s life. Linda was Nicki’s primary caregiver and friend, who showed love and kindness in abundance in helping her through her toughest times and for managing her household so ably and with such a wonderful attitude. Linda, Diane Dodson, Donna Fritz, Tracy Fritz, Terrie Henry, and Patsy Huckabey formed a talented and caring team that made it possible for Nicki to live at home, which meant the world to her.
A private funeral service will be held at Cedar Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 100 East College Street, PO Box 396, Athens, Tn. 37371; or Athens Area Council for the Arts, PO Box 95, Athens, Tn. 37371.
Smith Funeral & Cremation Services of Athens is honored to serve the family of Martha Nichols Fisher