Frances Jerdone Nixon

Entered into eternal rest on the afternoon of March 22, 2011, Frances Jerdone Nixon, widow of Joseph Henry Nixon, Jr. both of Charleston, SC.  Her relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral services in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL, Friday, March 25, 2011 at 2:30 pm. Followed by burial at Magnolia Cemetery. Friends may call at Stuhr's Downtown Chapel Thursday, March 24, between 5:00 and 7:00 pm to meet with her family.

Mrs. Nixon was born in Charleston, SC, the daughter of John Jerdone and Harriott Gadsden Holmes Jerdone. She was a devoted Christian and writer of numerous articles for Christian publications.  Mrs. Nixon was a member of Church Creek Presbyterian Church, the Pen Women Society and The Rose Society. She volunteered at Roper Hospital, was a league bowler and a certified poll manager for Charleston County.

Frances Nixon was known for her quick wit and indomitable spirit.  Often, she would create lyrical songs to the delight of her grandchildren and great grands, who affectionately called her "Big Momma" despite her petite stature.  She was a ballet performer, who could still touch her toes in her last months of life.  She exited this life "dancing to the tune of a life well-played."

She is survived by one son: Joseph Henry Nixon, III and his wife Nilda of Vienna, VA; two daughters: Frances Nixon Altman and her husband Billy of Folly Beach, SC and Joan Nixon Drozd and her husband Charles of Lexington, SC; eight grandchildren: Richard J. Hartnett and his wife Dana, Robert C. Hartnett and his wife Melanie, Linda Nixon, Jerry Mallard, Holly Nixon, Jeffrey C. Drozd, Christopher J. Drozd and Jennifer F. Drozd; her sister and friend: Harriott J. Welch of Charleston, SC; three great grandchildren: Joseph P. Hartnett, Chloe N. Hartnett and Miranda F. Hartnett. Jenny Cleckley of Charleston, SC, who was like a daughter.  She is predeceased by one daughter, Harriott Nixon Knox, wife of Vernon of Folly Beach and two sisters, Katherine J. Rodgers and Jeanne J. Frampton.

Memorials may be made to Church Creek Presbyterian Church, 2234 Plainview Road, Charleston, SC 29414. A special thank you is extended to her many caregivers, including services from Hospice of Charleston and Home Care Assistance.