Willa Dean Brainard (née Nichols) passed away on July 2, 2016, surrounded by loved ones.

She leaves behind a husband, Larry Brainard, Sr.; her children, Larry Brainard, Jr., Kim Brainard (James) McDonald, Karen Brainard (Bill) Kuhn; her brother, Wayne Nichols (Cheryl); Nine grandchildren: Grace Brainard, Rachel Brainard Villwock, Jim McDonald, Jacob McDonald, Emily Brainard, Billy Kuhn, Matthew Kuhn, Joe McDonald, and Nicholas Kuhn; two step-grandchildren, Eric Kuhn and Andy Kuhn; and numerous nephews, nieces, and friends.

Dean was preceded in death by,

Parents, Sam and Lovie (Blankenship) Nichols; Brothers, Tommy, Richard, and Billy Nichols and Sisters, Flo Nichols Mularz and Sarah Nichols Davidson

Dean Nichols was born in Decatur, Alabama on March 22, 1938, the seventh of eight children. As a young child, Dean and her family relocated to Lake County where she lived for the remainder of her life.

Dean attended Perry High School, where she met her high school sweetheart, Larry.  Larry and Dean married on November 25, 1959, and would go on to celebrate 57 years of marriage, welcome three children & celebrate the births of nine grandchildren.

Dean was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Perry, where she was baptized, married and raised her family.

Dean was very dedicated to her family. She was an extra ordinary Wife, Mother, Grandmother who put her family first. She also was an avid bowler, a talented cook, a worldwide traveler, a lover of music and dance.

Friends will be received from 6-8 pm Wednesday at the First Baptist Church of Perry, 3918 Main Street, where Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Thursday. Interment will be in Perry Township Cemetery.

Contributions in Dean's memory may be made to the Tridia Hospice 1933 Rte. 45, Austinburg, OH 44010

Spear-Mulqueeny Funeral Home, Painesville is honored to serve the Brainard family and friends.