Kathy Conley Nicholson, age 56, of Cornelia, Georgia, took her Heavenly flight home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Born in Monroe, Georgia, on December 11, 1969, Kathy was the second of four children born to Janice Elaine Adams Conley of Cornelia and the late Rev. Curtis Wayne Conley. From an early age, Kathy possessed a warm personality, a gift for communication, and, most importantly, a heart that loved the Lord.

Kathy was a 1987 graduate of Habersham Central High School. She continued her education at Toccoa Falls College, where she earned an associate degree, and later graduated from Piedmont College with a degree in Mass Communications and a minor in religion. Her education reflected two things that would become defining parts of her life: her ability to communicate with others and her desire to share the hope found in Jesus Christ.

For many years, Kathy was an encouraging and familiar voice across Northeast Georgia through her work in radio. Her broadcasting career began while she was still a teenager at WCHM in Clarkesville. She later worked with WRAF in Toccoa and, for many years, with WCON/Habersham Broadcasting in Cornelia. Behind the microphone, Kathy had a special way of connecting with people. Her voice became familiar to countless listeners, but it was the heart behind that voice that made her so special. She loved people, enjoyed life, and used the opportunities God gave her to encourage others and point them toward Christ.

Above every accomplishment and every title she held, the most beautiful testimony of Kathy’s life was simply this: Kathy loved Jesus. Her faith was not merely something she spoke about; it was something she lived. Through the joys of life and through seasons of tremendous heartache, she held tightly to the Lord. Her faith carried her through valleys that few could fully understand, and even in difficult days, she continued to trust in the promises of God. Kathy was a faithful member of The House of Prayer Church in Mount Airy, Georgia.

Kathy’s greatest earthly treasure was her family. She was a devoted daughter, a loving mother and sister, a proud “Nana,” a special aunt, and a treasured friend. She loved her family with her whole heart and found tremendous joy in the moments they shared together.

One of the deepest sorrows of Kathy’s earthly journey was the loss of her precious daughter, Hannah, whom she lovingly called her “brown-eyed girl.” While that separation brought an ache that words could never adequately describe, Kathy held to the promise that, for the child of God, goodbye is never forever. Today, her family finds comfort in knowing that Kathy has not only seen the face of the Savior she loved and trusted, but has also experienced a beautiful Heavenly reunion with her beloved Hannah.

Kathy fought her battle with tremendous faith, courage, and grace. And while those who love her would have chosen more time, they find peace in knowing that her battle is over, her faith has become sight, and she has finished well. Kathy did not lose her battle—she won it. She has simply traded the struggles of this life for the splendor of Heaven.

Her life and homegoing are beautifully expressed in the words of Scripture:

“Absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” — II Corinthians 5:8

In addition to her father, Rev. Curtis Wayne Conley, Kathy was preceded in death by her loving daughter and “brown-eyed girl,” Hannah Nicholson Gabrels; paternal grandparents, George Conley, Sr. and Ruby Conley Wood; and maternal grandparents, Edward Adams and Ruby T. Adams.

Those left to cherish Kathy’s memory include her children, Kara Nicholson, and Andrew Nicholson and his fiancée, Alina; granddaughter, Arabella Nicholson; mother, Janice Elaine Adams Conley; sisters and brothers-in-law, Kim and Rex Gallups, and Jenny and Rev. Chris Blalock; brother and sister-in-law, Rev. John Wayne and Theresa Conley; nephews and nieces, John Paul and Hannah Conley, Faith Conley, Timothy Conley, Rachel and Wesley McClellon, Rebekah and Mason Murray, Sarah Kimbrell, Joanna Kimbrell, Abby Kimbrell, Austin Blalock, Mitch and Mareike Gallups, Matt Gallups, and Elizabeth Gallups; special great-niece, Madelyn Murray; as well as other relatives and a host of friends whose lives were touched by Kathy’s love, encouragement, and testimony.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home with Rev. John Wayne Conley and Rev. Chris Blalock officiating.

In accordance with her wishes, Kathy will be cremated following the service.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

Flowers are welcome, as are other expressions of sympathy such as wind chimes, living plants, artificial floral arrangements, lanterns, other lasting keepsakes, or memorial donations may also be made to the House of Prayer, P.O. Box 586, Demorest, Georgia 30535, in Kathy’s memory.

The family wishes to express their deepest and most sincere appreciation to the many people whose prayers, love, encouragement, and support have sustained them throughout this difficult journey. They especially wish to thank the kind and caring staff of Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center for the compassion, dignity, and tender care shown to Kathy and her family, helping make her final moments peaceful and special.

Though Kathy’s familiar voice is now silent here on earth, the message she lived remains; Jesus is faithful, Heaven is real, and for those who know Christ, this life is not the end. Her family will miss her more than words can express, but they rejoice in knowing that Kathy is Home—whole, healed, reunited, and forever in the presence of the Lord she loved so dearly.

An online guest registry is available for the family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is honored to serve the family of Kathy Conley Nicholson.