Merle Nichols Vignes, longtime resident of Chunchula, AL, one of seven children born to John E. Nichols Sr. and Marie LeBeau Nichols on September 02, 1949, left this life on June 09, 2026, surrounded by immediate family and friends. She graduated from Toolen High School in Mobile and continued her education to become a dental hygienist.

Merle met and married the love of her life (other than her dog, Dookie) John M. Vignes in 1979. She followed John to the country life where they purchased their forever home. She loved watching the deer feed in the backyard, the occasional rabbit passing through and the variety of birds stopping at the feeders or nesting...she was not fond of the bandit squirrels stealing the feed.

Merle was involved in her community and became involved in the restoration of the Old School House on Roberts Rd. She held the office of secretary for the Chunchula Home Demonstration Club.

Merle is preceded in death by; her father, John E. Nichols Sr.; her mother, Marie LeBeau Nichols; sister, Marie Nichols Webb; brother, John E. Nichols Jr.; and her devoted husband John M. Vignes. 

She will be greatly missed by her sister Mabel Nichols Smith; brother Charles (Phebe)Nichols; brother Raphael Nichols; sister Minnette Nichols Elder and an abundance of nieces and nephews. Many others held a special place in Merle's life and heart which include her "chosen" family Michael, Jennie, Cole and AveryAnne Robitzsch as well as, Leverne; Sherry and the employees of "her DG".

Graveside service will be held at Mobile Memorial Gardens, Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 10am. Precession will begin at 9:30 am, officiated by Father Brazell.

Pallbearers will include: Ian and Marty Nichols; Michael and Cole Robitzsch; Douglas Brewer.

"Not-A-Celebration-of-Life" will be held at The Old School House on Roberts Rd in Chunchula.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mobile SPCA and/or Shriner's Hosptial.