Violetta McLean, 70, of Baltimore, Maryland, passed away on April 17, 2026, after a courageous nine-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Though she suffered greatly, she never lost her faith in God. Through it all, she continued to praise Him and spread His love, showing strength, grace, and unwavering devotion until the very end. 

Violetta spent most of her life in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and came to know Jesus Christ as her Lord and personal Savior as an adult. From that moment forward, she made it her mission to help others come to know Him as well. 

She was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System and graduated from Edmondson High School in June 1975. 

Over the years, she held several jobs before finding her calling in caregiving, where she poured love into the lives of those she cared for. Later, with the support of her church, she became the Assistant Cook at Baltimore Junior Academy, continuing her life of service to others. 

On January 25, 1976, she married Robert E. Nichols. From their union came three children: Vela Jodean Nichols, Robert Eugene Nichols Jr. and Geneva Danielle Nichols. 

Though she once hoped for a larger family, she gave her whole heart to the one she had. Family meant everything to her. Violetta was a woman full of life—stubborn, feisty, funny, corny, caring, and unapologetically opinionated. She loved to debate, even if it meant agreeing to disagree.

 Her children will forever remember her long, unforgettable lectures that could begin with one topic and end somewhere completely different, her meals that always took time because she cooked with her whole heart, and her unmistakable voice—sometimes loud and squeaky, sometimes soft depending on her mood. 

She will also be remembered for singing anywhere at any time, fussing when you weren’t dressed for the weather, and her dramatic reactions to just about everything. She found joy in spring flowers and winter snow, disliked bugs, and believed animals belonged outside—except for fish, which she accepted. Above all, Violetta was the rock of her family—steady, intuitive, and always present. She had a special gift for sensing when something was wrong and offering comfort without needing to be told. She was truly an amazing woman.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick Napolean McLean and Jodean Marie McLean.

 She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Vela Jodean Nichols, Robert Eugene Nichols Jr. and Geneva Danielle Nichols; grandchildren, Breanna, Shytrell, Wanye’, Shamira, Laquaya, Jasmine, Tamyra, Daesha, April, and Rashaad; great-grandchildren, Daniel, Aiden, Amir, Caiden, Wanye’ Jr., Himawari, and Hezekai; and siblings, Cynthia McLean, Frederick McLean Jr., Sharon Drummond, Jonathan McLean, Luther McLean and DeEster McLean, along with a host of extended family and friends.