Irene Cheri Nicholas-Evans

Born on a crisp Halloween morning, October 31, 1945 in Paris, Texas, Irene Cheri Nicholas-Evans entered this world with a spark that never left her. She was the cherished daughter of Andrew Beaver and Lucille Beaver, and from her earliest days, Irene embodied intelligence, resilience, and a fire that made her unforgettable. Irene received her formal education in the Topeka, Kansas, school system, later continuing her studies at Rhode Island Community College in Providence, Rhode Island. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a devoted member of Mount Oliver Baptist church in Topeka, Kansas. Hard-working and proud of every role she held, Irene built a career defined by commitment and excellence. She served as an auditor for Knight Inn Hotel in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, for many years, a supervisor for Ann & Hope in Warwick, Rhode Island, and a telephone operator for Bell South in Baltimore, Maryland. But above all titles, the ones she treasured most were mother, grandmother, wife, aunt, and caregiver. She poured herself into the people she loved, shaping generations with her strength, guidance, humor, and generosity. She was married to Robert Nicholas of Baltimore, Maryland, who fathered their two children, Robyn and Kirk Nicholas. Along with her children, she raised her nephews, Kevin and Stafford Nicholas, as her own. Irene lived a vibrant, expressive life. She adored scary movies, found joy in retelling family stories, and was the devoted caretaker of her beloved pets Bella and Sasha. She loved deeply and gave freely, often sharing her own belongings just to bring someone else a bit of comfort or joy. Irene had a way of encouraging people, pushing them forward (even when they weren’t ready), and reminding them of their worth. Her voice, her laughter, and her unforgettable spirit made her a natural motivator. A true force of nature, Irene was loving, outspoken, loyal, and resilient. She moved through the world in her own way, bold, honest, and unapologetically herself. Her presence lit up rooms, and her absence now leaves an immeasurable void. She was preceded in death by many of her beloved siblings, including Ruth Mae Patterson, Luree Jewel Beaver, Vernice Lee Beaver, William Washington Beaver, Vance Beaver, Joe Louis Beaver, and Witha Mae Beaver; a niece, Patsy Young, her nephew Marshall Patterson, and her second husband, Darnell Evans, who was a special person in her life. Irene leaves to honor and cherish her memory: daughter, Robyn Nicholas-Barnes; son, Kirk Anthony Nicholas; adored grandchildren, Janay Brittnay Barnes, Jordan Anthony Nicholas, and Sheri Renee Nicholas-Prout; special grandson, Marshall Joseph Sinclair Barnes; nephews, Kevin Charles Nicholas, Stafford Lynn Nicholas, Craig Nicholas-Harvey Floyd, and Richie Patterson; Eric, Keith, and Kevin McChristian; nieces, Tyra Holmes, Yvette Nicholas, Becky Bruner, and Mary Winn; great-grandsons, Major Ace Nicholas and Lennox Nicholas Prout. She also holds deep affection for her eldest sister, Ruby McChristian. Irene leaves behind a host of extended relatives, friends, and loved ones who were touched by her strength, humor, generosity, and love. Irene Cheri Nicholas-Evans lived a full, remarkable, and beautifully human life. Though she has transitioned to eternal rest, her spirit, her lessons, and her love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Tributes

Irene Cheri Nicholas-Evans

October 31, 1945 - November 3, 2025