Nellie Lovina Hixson

Nellie Lovina Hixson, born Nellie Lovina Gray, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2026, at Innisbrook Health and Rehabilitation. She was 91 years old.

Nellie was born on November 16, 1934, in Shreve, Ohio, to Anthony Ashby Gray and Carrie Ellen Boles.

A proud student of the Ohio School for the Deaf, Nellie met the love of her life, Davis Hixson, while attending school. Their friendship blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and they were married on August 19, 1956. Together they built a loving home and family, sharing more than six decades of marriage before Davis's passing on March 22, 2020.

Throughout her life, Nellie dedicated herself to raising her children and attending to the meaningful work that sustains a family and a home. She served her family faithfully as a homemaker, bringing care, diligence, and pride to everything she did. Nellie spent much of her life in Columbus, Ohio, where she created countless memories with family and friends.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Nellie rarely missed an opportunity to support her family. She could often be found cheering from the sidelines at her children's and grandchildren's sporting events, attending school activities, and celebrating their accomplishments. Her quiet encouragement, steadfast presence, and unwavering love were gifts cherished by all who knew her. Equally important to her was her faith. Nellie was very active in her church throughout her life, finding strength, fellowship, and purpose in worship, service, and her relationship with God.

Nellie will be remembered most for her unwavering devotion to her family, her deep faith, her quiet strength, and the love and encouragement she shared with generations of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Davis Hixson.

She is survived by her son, Perry Hixson, and her daughter, Vonda Thacker, whose lives stand as part of her enduring legacy. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Megan McElroy, Connor Hixson, James Thacker, Jonas Thacker, and Jeremy Thacker. She was also blessed with eight cherished great-grandchildren: Annabelle, Aubrey, Sabrina, Penelope, Amelia, Davis, Myles, and Julian, each of whom brought her great joy and pride. She is also survived by other relatives and friends who will forever treasure her memory.

Though she is no longer with us, Nellie's memory will continue to live on through the family she loved and the lives she touched. May her life be remembered with gratitude, and may her memory bring comfort and peace to all who knew and loved her.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association Greater Cincinnati Chapter in memory of Nellie Hixson. Donations may be mailed to:

Alzheimer's Association Greater Cincinnati Chapter 720 E. Pete Rose Way, Suite 330 Cincinnati, OH 45202

Online donations may be made at: https://Alzheimer's Association /cincinnati

"Those we love do not go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed, and forever dear."