IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Anthony J. Nickols, Jr.
In November 1997, during his senior year of high school, Anthony J. Nickols, Jr. was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. During the summer of ’97 he was involved in the New Hope Summer Youth Program. He also volunteered at the San Bernardino Boys and Girls Club.
Anthony displayed such extraordinary courage and remarkable strength during his treatment for this devastating disease. He earned the admiration and respect of his entire medical team for the manner in which he handled all aspects of his illness. In June 1998, Anthony underwent a bone marrow transplant from his sister “Latasha” at the City of Hope National Medical Center. He maintained a positive outlook and kept the faith and never once complained.
Throughout his life he was an obedient and respectful young man with high morals. He had an abundance of love and respect for his mother, sister, and his entire family. He spent many hours with his younger cousins who considered Anthony their hero. He enjoyed playing video games, football, and basketball. His favorite football team was the San Francisco 49ers. He also enjoyed drawing cartoon characters.
Clarisa F. Howard’s love for her nephew Anthony, as well as her “Commitment to Excellence – Commitment to Life,” motivated her to direct her energies towards supporting and helping her family get through this crisis. She used her 50th birthday celebration to help raise funds and awareness about Anthony’s lymphoma and the City of Hope in its fight against major diseases. In her own words, “We are all guided in one way or another; we need only to be still long enough to understand and accept as our destiny what we are to do with our lives for the good of mankind.”
Anthony fought bravely to overcome his illness. His mom, Patricia L. Harper Nickols, will always remember Anthony as the most courageous man in her life. He departed this life with the same quiet strength and dignity he displayed throughout his battle with cancer.
“Think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched,
for nothing loved is ever lost, and he was loved so much.”
DeVoghn Allen
DeVoghn was a vibrant 22-year-old, full of wit and excitement, yet wise beyond his years. As the eldest of three, he often took on the role of protector and provider, driven by a deep sense of responsibility for his family. His energy was contagious, especially when it came to his newborn daughter, Jordyn, whom he adored. He envisioned a bright future not just for himself but for her as well.
His passion for his career in firefighting was palpable; he had his sights set on joining the San Bernardino County Fire Department, eager to serve and make a difference. Every day, he pushed himself closer to that dream, fueled by the hope of marrying his first true love, someone who understood his ambitions and supported his journey.
DeVoghn was the kind of person who believed in bright ideas and endless possibilities. He approached life with enthusiasm, always ready to take on challenges, and ready to stand up for what was right, even when others hesitated. With a heart full of love and a mind brimming with dreams, he was determined to carve out a fulfilling life for his family. DeVoghn loved his family deeply, and the void he left is immeasurable. He will always be remembered for his warmth, his dreams, and the love he shared. He will be greatly missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.