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Tassie Mae Jernigan Nixon, affectionally known as “Tat,” was born on May 24, 1922 to the late Wilson Vanderbilt and Mary B. Perry Jernigan. She entered into eternal rest, peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on September 4, 2024. Tassie was raised in a loving, Christian home and attended school in the Edenton-Chowan Public School System. Tassie was a woman of faith. She was baptized at an early age and was a faithful and devoted member of Warren Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she served faithfully on the Senior Usher Board for over 45 years. She was also a member of the L & M Ministry and Missionaries Willing to Work. She was the mother of the church. Tassie rarely ever missed a Sunday and could always be spotted sitting in her favorite pew, looking fashionable in one of her many church hats. She loved her church and her church family. Her days always started and ended with prayer. Tassie was married to the late Alexander Nixon, Jr. She worked in housekeeping and was employed at Edenton Baptist Church for over 30 years. She loved and took pride in her job. She loved her co-workers and their families. She worked there well into her 80’s and would always say that she didn’t want to sit down or she wasn’t ready to stop moving whenever anyone asked her about retirement. Tassie was a gentle and kind-hearted woman. She was the epitome of love and grace. She lived by the word and raised her children and grandchildren to love thy neighbor as thyself. She loved and cherished her family and there was nothing that she wouldn’t do for them. She loved cooking family dinners, watching and discussing “the stories,” attending church services, shopping and going on car rides. She was loved and viewed as a mother and grandmother to many. Tassie leaves to cherish her memories, five children: Lewis Jernigan (Thelma) of Brooklyn, NY, Marian Anthony of Edenton, NC, Carlton Nixon (Denise) of Upper Marlboro, MD, Sheila Nixon of Edenton, NC and Carrie Cofield (Pearly) of Edenton, NC. A daughter in-law, Carolyn Nixon of Edenton, NC. Fourteen grandchildren: Winston Anthony Jr. (Raquel), Melvin Nixon, Terra Anthony, Doreen Anhwere (Tonny), Kevin Cofield, Shakitta Nixon, Christel Cofield, Natarsha Harris (Javonte), Robert Nixon (Anita), Terron Robinson, Alexis Cofield, Shawn Anthony, Thomas White Jr. (Jasmine) and Dexter White. 31 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren. One sister, Edna Roberts of Knightdale, NC. One sister in-law, Hattie Leary of Edenton, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Tassie was preceded in death by three of her children: Winston Anthony, Rev. Percy Nixon and Hilda Nixon. Two of her grandsons, Eric Anthony and Percy Nixon, Jr. Six siblings: John Jernigan, Walter Jernigan, Cora Coston, Charlie M. Jernigan, Herman Jernigan and Ernest Jernigan.

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Ms. Tassie Nixon

May 24, 1922 - September 4, 2024