Rev. Neeta R. Nichols

Pastor Neeta R. Nichols was a member of Detroit Presbytery since 1993. She served 11 different congregations as Interim Pastor and also served briefly as the Presbytery's Acting Head of Staff. She earned an undergraduate degree in religion and philosophy from Defiance College in Ohio and a Master of Divinity degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Neeta was ordained as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in 1973 to serve First Presbyterian Church, Adrian, Michigan. In 2023 Neeta celebrated 50 years of ministry, mostly in transitional (interim) settings. Her gift was to quickly assess a situation, help the congregation understand its situation, and offer appropriate options for resolution. Neeta is quoted as saying, "I enjoy serving in a setting where people have a healthy commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ, are concerned about living in faithfulness to Christ, and are open to new possibilities for expression of their faith. I believe the Church must be open to new possibilities for expressing ancient rituals so that its message can be viable and vital with this generation." Neeta served the Presbytery via committee work, including seven terms on Committee on Ministry, two terms on Committee on Preparation for Ministry, and two terms on the Permanent Judicial Commission. She was part of the Worship Committee for the 2014 General Assembly meeting in Detroit, planning opening worship and the daily serving of the Lord's Supper. Neeta had an active role in the workings of the Synod of the Covenant, and she was a delegate to the GA in 1980 and in 2001. On January 1, 2020, Neeta retired from parish ministry. After an interim position with the Presbytery of Detroit, serving as co-Head of Staff, Neeta found a church home at First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak, ultimately not staying retired for long and serving as their parish associate until her death. Neeta was an enthusiastic volunteer at the Detroit Zoo and had a special fondness for the Polk Penguin Center. Neeta enjoyed travel and visited Egypt, Ukraine, Russia and Belarus in recent years. Music played a part in her free time, as did the challenge of Sudoku. A diehard coffee fan, Neeta enjoyed a daily latte from Starbucks and spending time with her family. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 1:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak. The service may be viewed through livestream at https://vimeo.com/924360743 Memorial contributions to First Presbyterian Chorale Scholars Program or the Detroit Zoo.

Rev. Neeta R. Nichols

March 24, 1948 - March 2, 2024