Marie Nicholson (née Zachary) was born on December 18, 1930, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Monroe and Essie Mae Zachary. After losing her mother before she turned one, Marie was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Flora “Gran” Johnson, in a household spanning multiple generations. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sons Theodore Armstrong and William Zachary, her sister Thelma Wainwright, and her grandmother Flora Johnson.

Marie gave her life to Christ at an early age. She attended Cleveland Public Schools and devoted her early adulthood to being a homemaker. Later, she pursued a career as a home health aide until she retired.

Her childhood holidays were filled with memorable Christmases in Springfield, Ohio, at her great-grandparents’ home, where she cherished receiving toy dishes each year. Family remained at the center of her life. As the proud mother of ten and matriarch of a large extended family approaching a hundred grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, Marie opened her home to many loved ones. Family gatherings brought card games, home-cooked meals, sports watching, and steady laughter. She loved sports especially making playful bets against the Cleveland Browns, and she treasured long talks and scenic drives with her children.

Marie is survived by her daughters, Vivi Bottoms, Donna Williams (deceased Robert), Wanda Pryor, and Arlenar McClain (Gregory). Her sons include Donald Pryor, James Pryor (Rebecca), Demetrius Pryor (Verrina), and Jeffrey Pryor. She is survived by her niece Cookie, whom she considered a bonus daughter. Marie leaves behind a large, devoted family of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends who held her close.