Rev. Oliver "OJ" John Nicholas

May 23, 1946 - June 18, 2020

Rev. Oliver “OJ” John Nicholas, 74, of Peoria, IL transitioned to his heavenly home at 7:09 am, Thursday, June 18, 2020 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. Rev. OJ, as he was affectionately called, was born on the New Hope Plantation in Louisiana to proud parents, Millard, Sr., and Ophelia (Preston) Nicholas. He moved to Peoria, IL and worked at Caterpillar many years. OJ Loved the Lord! He has lived an extraordinary life by the grace and mercy of his Lord and Savior. He met the Love of his life, Freddie Mae Smith at Church. They have shared more than 39 years of love and marriage. OJ loved serving people and would help anyone in need. Many saw his great works daily as he faithfully served as a Minister with the Benevolent Center at the Southside Mission where he poured into people shinning the light on Christ and saving lives for Jesus. OJ was an all-around great guy. He was a gifted singer who in his younger days sang back up to celebrities such as BB King and Al Green. He often expressed his excitement of meeting Miss Diana Ross back in the day. His church members at New Cornerstone loved to hear him sing his favorite gospel song, “The Woman at the Well”. In his spare time, OJ loved fishing, especially with his friend “Duck”, Mr. Donald Stapleton. OJ also loved watching African movies and spending time with his wife and family. He was an avid New Orleans Saints fan. He also loved his basketball and was a big fan of Michael Jordan and Steph Curry. OJ leaves to cherish his most precious memories his loving and devoted wife, Freddie Mae Nicholas of Peoria, IL; his children, John (Virless) Moore of Peoria, IL, Octavius “Tave” Grismore of Bloomington, IL and Tamika Nicholas of Peoria, IL3; his god son, Shemar Gray of Peoria, IL; two brothers, Roosevelt Nicholas and Donavan Nicholas both of Bloomington, IL; four sisters, Maxine Stevenson of New Orleans, LA, Mary (Edward) Nicholas-Williams of Donaldsonville, LA, Diane Ealem of Vacherie, LA and Anna Mae (Ray) Gaston of New Orleans, LA; a host of grand; great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Millard Nicholas, Jr., and Willie Nicholas and three sisters, Geneva Lacey, Ann Marie Williams and Donna Lee. Rev. OJ was a Charter member and Associate Pastor at New Cornerstone Baptist Church where a private Funeral service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, June 27, 2020 with a two-hour visitation from 9 am to 11 am. Rev. Dr. Mark A. McConnell will bring words of comfort. Rev. OJ will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. The funeral service will be live streamed on Simons Mortuary's Website or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Simons-Mortuary-232095303487150 promptly at time of the service. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, social distancing and attendance limits will be observed. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com. As the States begin re-opening in response to the Global Coronavirus Pandemic, some people are returning to their previous normal living standards. Unfortunately, we are now in our new normal as unreal and sometimes uncomfortable as the socially distancing and continuous use of protective masks may feel. *In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we ask that everyone in attendance: wear a face mask and refrain from hugging, kissing and shaking hands (as hard as it is to see someone you care about and not touch them). Thanks in advance for your cooperation! * It is our responsibility as a Funeral Directors, to do everything we can to advise families in order to honor our beloved Families and to keep everyone as safe as possible. The church can socially distance and seat a limit of 50 or less people. All others will be able to flow through and view prior to beginning the Celebration of Life Ceremony.