Dana Joy Nixon passed away on Tuesday Evening, Jan. 18, 2022 in the privacy of her home where she was being cared for by her family. Born April 4, 1956 in Norfolk, she was the daughter of the late Elizabeth Burdette Perry and Gardner L. Perry, Jr. Dana was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to all with whom she was ever in contact with. In addition to her late parents, she also was predeceased by her son, Theodore G. “TED”, “LITTLE TED” Nance, on April 25, 1993 which was a loss from which she never recovered. She was also predeceased by her brother, Danny Athans. She was a graduate of Oscar Smith High School and was an auditory trainer with LifeTouch Studio from 1989 until her retirement. First and foremost, she loved her family with every ounce of her being. She also loved gardening and working in her yard.
Mrs. Nixon is survived by her husband, Michael W. Nixon, Sr; her beloved son, Bryan D. Nance and wife Charity of Navarre Beach, FL; step-daughter, Kristy Shurfield and husband, Steve and her step-son Michael W. Nixon, Jr. all of Chesapeake; her sister, Roxanne Leonard and husband Barry of Chesapeake; and 2 brothers, Gardner L. Perry of Chesapeake and Richard Athans and wife , Pat of Gainesville, FL; 5 grandsons, Caleb Nance (Taylor) Juneau, AK, Colin Nance of Navarre Beach, FL, Steven Shurfield, Spencer Shurfield, and Jordan Dail, all of Chesapeake; 3 granddaughters, Danielle Nixon (Arik)and Amanda Nixon of Virginia Beach and Gracie Dail of Chesapeake; 2 great grandchildren, Averi Nixon and Kole Kouldelka, both of Virginia Beach; 2 brother-in-laws, Steve and Tim Bob Nixon, both of Chesapeake; and 3 sister-in-laws, Linda Bell, Karen Turner, and Deborah Leaupepe, all of Chesapeake, VA
A Private Celebration of her life will be held in Chesapeake Memorial Gardens where She will be inurned with her late son, Theodore Gerald “Ted”, “Little Ted” Nance, Jr. The family strongly suggests that contributions be made to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, 511 E. John Carpenter Freeway, Irving, TX 70562. Oman Funeral Home and Crematory, 653 Cedar Rd., Chesapeake, VA is serving Mrs. Nixon’s family.