On Nov. 27, 2024, at 3:26 p.m., the family of Odie Ann Nicklis lost the chief of their tribe. 

While their hearts may be shattered, they find peace in knowing that when Odie took her last breath here, the next one was in heaven. She is healed. She now has two good legs and two good lungs. Odie will no longer feel pain or suffering. She no longer struggles to breathe but now can walk on the streets paved of gold. She won't have to pause and catch her breath as her lungs will be healthy and full of the sweetest air. God blessed us all the day she was born 78 years ago and will continue to bless us each day. 

Born on July 11, 1946, Odie Ann Nicklis began her journey.  Odie was the first-born child to Alvin and Frances Patterson. She was born in Rockbridge County. Odie would soon become a big sister to Dicie, Mitte and Layne.  She loved her siblings and enjoyed going up home to visit with them. When visiting, they would go shopping, out to eat, watch Westerns, cook, and sit around talking.

Odie would go on to have four children. She first welcomed Chuck, followed by Michael, Matesha, and Ti-Lea. Odie married Michael Nicklis Jr. and they soon made Mineral, Va., their home. Odie was always a hard worker and at times held multiple jobs to help provide for her family. She loved spending time with her family and friends. 

In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, cooking, watching Westerns, shopping, eating, and watching her birds. She was known for her love of turquoise and sterling silver jewelry. She was often referred to as the lady with all the rings. Her wit and sassiness set her apart from many. Her heart was full of love but she had no problem sharing her opinion.  Odie was proud of her Monacan Native American heritage and was lovingly referred to as her family's chief. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Frances Patterson; her husband, Michael Nicklis Jr.; and her brother-in-law, Kester Clark.

Odie is survived by her siblings, Dicie Clark, Mittie Goldman, and Layne (Donna) Beverly; her children, Charles "Chuck" (Wendy) Goldman, Michael (Gabriela) Nicklis, MaTesha Nicklis (Mac), Ti-Lea "T.T." (John) Austin. She is also survived by her partner of many years, Rickie Huff; her 17 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, many friends, and her beloved cats. What a legacy she leaves.

After becoming ill in June 2023, she encountered the best medical staff at SentaraMartha JeffersonHospital.  With the knowledge of her medical team, God's grace, her fight, and determination, she was blessed with an additional 530 days to spend with her family and friends. A special thank you to Dr. David Schwartz, Dr. John Watson, and Dr. Lewis Owens. Knowing that the fight wouldn't be easy, they joined with Odie on her medical journey. Every doctor, nurse, therapist, patient care technician, housekeeping, dining staff, and volunteers at SMJH played such vital roles in her medical journey. Her family is forever grateful for them all. She wowed everyone she ever met and exceeded anyone's expectations. 

I think we all thought that she had one more trick up her sleeve, one more comeback, and she did. This will forever be her greatest comeback.  Healed in heaven on Nov. 27, 2024, at 3:26 pm.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Her service will follow immediately. Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to the American Lung Association.

All services will be held at Woodward Funeral Home, located in Louisa.  Services will be officiated by her son-in-law, John Austin.