BRIDGEPORT, W.VA.—On October 13, Gwendolyn Johnson Nickerson passed away in Bridgeport, W.Va. A longtime resident of Salem, Gwen left a legacy of passion for education, love of animals and a great skill for gardening. She was 89 years old.
Ms. Nickerson held a bachelor’s in chemistry from Roanoke College and a master’s in education from the University of Virginia. She began her professional career as a chemist at the Radford Arsenal during the Korean War and then transitioned into education. She taught chemistry first at Roanoke College and then maintained a professorship at Virginia Western Community College for 27 years.
Gwendolyn Nickerson was predeceased by her parents Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Arthur Johnson. She is survived by two sons, Dr. Michael D. Nickerson Sr. (Dawn) of Lancaster and Gary W. Nickerson (Karen) of Bridgeport; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Louise Weaver and Emily Amos.
Memorial services will be private. The family extends its gratitude to the many health care professionals and service personnel who helped Ms. Nickerson maintain a high quality of life in her last few years.
