W.T. Shumake & Daughters

Diretheia Gail Rodgers Nichols, 56, of Louisville died July 7, 2022.

Visitation 6-8 Friday, July 15, 2022 at W.T. Shumake & Daughters Funeral Home 3815 Newburg Road. Funeral 12:00 Noon Saturday, July 16, 2022, at St. Stephen Church 1018 S. 15th Street.



Diretheia’s Motto

“The greatness that’s in you is not for you, so who are you robbing?”



Diretheia Gail Rodgers Nichols was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 25, 1966, to Julia Jones and Chester Slaughter. Blessed to be a member of a large blended family, Diretheia loved having so many sisters and brothers to love.

She was educated in the Jefferson County Public School Systems; however, her early years were spent at Immaculate Heart of Mary and St Benedict Catholic Schools. She graduated from Ballard High School and enrolled at Kentucky State University but transferred to Lindsey Wilson College where she received her Bachelors. Diretheia also attended graduate school and was only a few hours from receiving her Masters.

Her Christian journey began at Portland Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Arthur Smith in May 1979 when she gave her life to Christ and never looked back. She took her faith seriously and even attended educational classes at a divinity school. Diretheia was a member of St. Stephen Church. She enjoyed hearing the word of God being taught. It was not about the building but the love that was shown daily to people you meet, the opportunities to tell others about the goodness of the Lord, and being a walking testimony of what God had done in her life. Diretheia was always encouraging others about what God can and will do in your life if you let Him.

Her work career included 17 years as a dental assistant, 10 years selling real estate and offering prepaid legal services, and finally her dream job of working in the field of early childhood education. She was old school---making home visits, acting as a surrogate mom to kids, and being an advocate for our children. She truly loved them and it showed. She was the go-to person always quick to listen and slow to offer unsolicited advice. Whether it was a student, friend, or family member, Diretheia was willing to help. Many times she was the bridge to connect opposing opinions, find a medium ground, and act as a diffuser when attitudes got out of hand.

Prince was her favorite artist and purple was her favorite color—coincident? Regardless you would frequently hear “Purple Rain” blasting from her player. Diretheia enjoyed swimming, sewing, and shopping on Amazon Prime. During the pandemic, Diretheia designed and created masks for everybody. It was her way of helping out. She was crafty and enjoyed giving her items away. Oh, and she was an awesome dancer. To sum things up, Diretheia enjoyed life, loved God, her family—especially her grandchildren, and friends she met along her way.

On Thursday, July 7, 2022, Diretheia Gail Rodgers Nichols departed this life. She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughters, Veronia White, and Kandyce Wingfield; mother, Julia “Jay” Rodgers; father, Will Rodgers; siblings, Tony Rodgers, T Lynn Moore, Chessica Slaughter, Darrin Rodgers, and David Rodgers (Kita); grandchildren, Gia Christian, Rome Christian, Chloe White, Jaxon Wingfield, and Margo Wingfield; and a host of extended family and friends.





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