Mrs. Ema Jean Nichols Spake, 87, of Valdese, passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at her residence, after facing cancer with remarkable strength and determination.

Jean was born on March 18, 1939, in Burke County to the late Luther L. Nichols and Florence Wright Nichols. She was a retired inspector with Continental Teves and attended McGalliard Falls Baptist Church in Valdese. Jean was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great great-grandmother, who enjoyed gardening, watching basketball, especially the UNC Tarheels and the Golden State Warriors, and spending time with her beloved dog Maggie Mae. Jean was always the supportive figure for the family, attending many ballgames, school activities and events and social gatherings. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a son, Brian Keith Newton, a daughter, Beverly Newton Cook, one grandson, James Lee Cherry, a great- granddaughter, Hiedi Cherry, her brothers; Lloyd Nichols, Carl Nichols, Allen Nichols, Harold Nichols, Buck Nichols and Bob Nichols, and sisters; Lillian Cooper, Leeuna Powell and Marian Vendemia.

Surviving are her two daughters, Pamela Newton Davis of Lexington, NC, and Vanessa Norman Chambliss and husband Chris of Morganton. Also surviving are her grandchildren; Kimberly Jewel and husband Clayton, Matthew Davis and wife Caryn Schultz, Tequila Cherry, Crystal Newton, Christopher Newton, Brianna Newton, Sidney Chambliss, and Fletcher Chambliss, along with many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, her brother Denny Nichols and wife Gail, and her sister, Reba Canipe, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend special thanks to all the family, especially to Reba Canipe, Robin McGee and Gail Nichols for their care and support of Jean during these last few weeks.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service, with Rev. Marvin Wiley officiating.

The family will receive friends on Monday, from 4:00 until 5:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is assisting the Spake family.