Doris Jean Walker Nikolaus was born March 28, 1931, at the family home in Johnsville, Ohio. She died August 10, 2026 at her home in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 95. Doris was the daughter of Willis Thuma, and Florence Kline Walker. She graduated from Johnsville High School in 1949. She married her high school sweetheart, Marvin A. Nikolaus, October 6, 1951.

They began married life living and working in the Johnsville area until Marvin was drafted into the Army. He was stationed at Fort Jackson, in Columbia, South Carolina. After leaving the Army in 1954, they moved back to Ohio and built a house across from Doris’s parents’ farm. In 1967, Doris and Marvin moved to Nashville, TN so Marvin could continue his graduate work. They ended up making Nashville their permanent home.

Doris was a busy mother of three in addition to working part or full time for over 40 years at 20th Century (later 21st Century) Christian Book Store. She and Marvin were avid Lipscomb Bison Basketball fans. She continued to use her men’s basketball season tickets through the 2025-2026 season. She enjoyed attending and volunteering at events on campus. She was always pleased to see full parking lots at the University because it meant there was much going on.

Doris cherished family times, home entertaining, traveling, and being involved at church. She strove to be a “fun Grandma” like her grandmother, Grandma Kline. She enjoyed going to sporting events and playing games. Badminton and Chinese checkers were two of her favorites. She liked to be out doing things, going places, and being around young people.

Doris is survived by children Keith (Sharon) Nikolaus, Brent (Bonnie) Nikolaus, Jewel Ann (Eugene) Keenan, seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and sibling Arden (Patty) Walker.

Doris will be buried at Shauck Cemetery in Ohio near where she grew up.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lipscomb University in support of the Men’s Basketball Program or the Marvin Nikolaus Family Endowed Mathematics Scholarship.

https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/84637/donations/new