Debra Jean Stokes Nixon

Debra S. Nixon, 73, of Elizabeth City, NC, passed away peacefully in her sleep May 16, 2026 after a battle with cancer.

Debra was born July 17, 1952 in Portsmouth, Virginia, and Edenton, North Carolina was where she was raised by her parents, Catherine Harrell and John “J.L” Harrell, Sr.

Debra is survived by her husband of 55 years, Stewart W. Nixon, Sr., her two sons; Stewart “Nick” Nixon, Jr. (Amy) and Jeremy Nixon (Christin); one daughter, Ginger Nowarah; six grandchildren; one great grandchild; two brothers, John Harrell III and Jeffrey Harrell; and two sisters, Ann and Jennifer Stokes, as well as an abundance of other family and friends.

Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her niece, Amanda Lane, father Sager “Billy” Stokes, and her sister, Brenda Cherry.

Debra was a devoted wife and mother, she was right by her husband's side and supporting his business, but also the many builds and remodels of houses throughout their life together. She not only had an eye for the design of their houses, but she got in there and did the work as well. All the while she was taking care of her family. In the earlier years, Debra loved working with her hands, whether it was sewing, crocheting, or some kind of craft. She also loved crossword puzzles in reading, she had a real thirst for knowledge, especially that of the Bible. And whatever she learned, she loved to share. She gained great joy from helping others learn about her God - Jehovah and his many promises. She held firmly to those promises and sought comfort from them till the end. We will all miss her very much and look forward to the time when we get to see her again as the Bible promises (Psalms 37:10,11).

Service arrangements will be announced at a later date.