Dolores Rio Nickens

On December 19, 1931, God delivered a bundle of joy to Whalie and Nannie Paylor, a beautiful baby girl they named Dolores Rio Nickens. She was educated in Baltimore City Public Schools, graduating from the very fine Carver Vo Tech High School where she learned tailoring. With her tall stature, a size 3, she was quite the basketball player. In 1941 the family moved to the white house on the hill, in Halethorpe (at that time known as “the country”). During this time Dolores became a great gardener growing vegetables and quite the farmer helping her dad and mom raise chickens, pigs, and even pet geese. After graduating in 1950, Dolores met this handsome young man, Elmer Nickens and they were married in 1952. Elmer joined the Marines and during his tour they had a daughter named Denise Rochelle. Dolores and Elmer had a home built on Woodside Ave. just in time for their son, Elmer Guy to be born. Dolores was an excellent cook, tailor and gardener. It was an everyday event for neighbors to stop by just to eat her cooking and her baked goods which were known throughout the land. Dolores had a lawn and yard that looked like the cover of a magazine. She was meticulous about everything she did, from the beautiful Christmas decorations and delicious holiday baking that everyone so looked forward to. In the words of her endearing nephew Wayne Hines “She is the original Martha Stewart”. Dolores worked at Westinghouse where she built circuit boards for the F-19 fighter planes and soon after advanced to a quality assurance technician. From there she continued to master everything she put her hands on until she retired in 1992. Gospel Tabernacle Baptist Church is where her love for Christ began. She was baptized in 1945 and became an active member, pursuing her relationship with Christ. She was a member of the choir and attended Baptist Training Union (BTU) faithfully. Dolores later joined First Baptist Church of Elkridge, on March 24, 1991, during the tenure of Dr. Bishop Monroe S. Simms. She loved and honored her God, respected her pastors and loved her church family. Dolores was on a personal mission to serve, love, and bring joy to everyone which lead her to join the Missionary Board; therefore no task was too great or small for her to perform. Dolores enjoyed serving at “Our Daily Bread” with her missionary sisters feeding the hungry and on many Sundays she came through the door of the church with cake or cookies just to spread her love. Well known to be motivated by love she was the matriarch on Woodside Avenue. She didn’t hesitate speaking her mind but everyone knew she loved you all the more. As lovingly called “Ms. Nickens” by her young little friend Ayeden she will be greatly missed. She is survived by: daughter, Denise White (Arthur); son, Elmer Nickens (Stacey); four grandchildren, Jason White, Arthur (Nick) White, Wesley Nickens and Alexandria Nickens; two great-grandchildren, Darren and Jayda White; a loyal brother-in-law, Charles Carter; a special devoted niece, Wendy Hancock; goddaughter, Bridgette Madison; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Tributes

Dolores Rio Nickens

December 19, 1931 - August 20, 2016