Christine Little Nixon

Christine Little Nixon, with her son, Tony, by her side, was called home by God on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, after having a stroke and other subsequent health issues.

Christine, who was affectionately known to many as Tinie and to close family as El/Elvira, was born April 1, 1940, in Union County, NC, to Robert Lee Little and Mary Carolina Croutch. Christine was the fourth of eight other siblings born into this union including Eugene, Marshall, Roland, Maxine, Robert, Hubert, Ray, and Jimmy Lee. She often shared stories of her and her sister Maxine working and playing closely on the family farm.

She graduated from J.H. Gunn High School (Class of 1959). Following high school graduation and a brief stay in New York City, she returned and then married Earl S. Nixon and had four children: Pamela Jeanette, Tony Sylvester, Valerie Regina, and Zenobia Renee Nixon.

Christine was born into the church family of Rock Hill AME Zion Church in Indian Trail, NC, where she served on the Usher Board, was head of the Children’s Acolytes, and held the position of Leader of Leaders within this church. She later attended Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, until the Pandemic of COVID prevented her from attending.

Christine was employed as a manager for several years in the fabric department at Zayre’s Department Store; initially in Charlotte, NC, and later in Greensboro, NC. In 1985, upon returning from Greensboro to Charlotte, she began a career that left a loving imprint on the lives of several generations. She was first introduced to the Weekley family, followed by the Elam family, the Mazzucco family,  the Gregg family, and the Gordon family; where for decades, she shared her light, love, and compassion caring for several of their children as though they were her own.

Christine was an avid lover of various sports and several teams. She supported the home teams and often took her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and bonus children to these sporting events. She was a supporter of the Charlotte Sting, Charlotte Orioles, Charlotte Hornets, Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Knights, and shared in her siblings love for the sport of Golf and NASCAR. Although she supported the home team, her favorite team above all others was the Dallas Cowboys. This was evident in her beautiful smile and warm voice as she would lead the chants and screams shouting, “Cowboys #1”.

For those that knew the heart of Christine they knew family extended beyond the boundaries of blood. She expressed this in telephone calls, with acts of kindness, and genuine love shown unto so many people. Christine will be greatly missed by the countless lives that she touched and impacted throughout her life.

Christine was preceded in death by her siblings Eugene, Marshall (Frances), Robert (Mary Beth), and Hubert  (Mavis) Little, and her only sister Maxine Clay (Henry). She was also preceded in death by her eldest daughter, Pamela J. Nixon, and sister-in law, Stella Little.

Fond memories will be cherished by her children Tony Sylvester Nixon (Trevina) of Charlotte, NC; Valerie Regina Nixon (Frank Yackley) of Charlotte, NC; and Zenobia Renee Nixon of Mint Hill, NC. A beloved granddaughter Randal Stywall (daughter of Pamela Jeanette Nixon) of Charlotte, NC; cherished grandchildren: Miquel, Jordan, Caleb, and Jade Washington, all of Monroe, NC; and one great-grandchild, Kenzie Marie Alston; and her three brothers: Roland Little, Ray Little (Deborah) of Charlotte, NC; and Jimmy Lee Little (Sheneda) of Louisville, KY; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and close and special friends.