Pastor Kay Whitesides Nixon

Kay Whitesides Nixon, 77, went home to Jesus on February 29, 2024. Born in Lincoln County to the late Charles G. Whitesides and Margie Rhyne Whitesides. She is also predeceased by her sister and husband Anne W. Loftin and Jerry W. of Pumpkin Center. Awaiting her in Heaven is Kay’s beloved husband and best friend of 39 years Ben D. Nixon of Denver.

After surviving Polio in 1948, Kay tackled her disability as she did all obstacles in her life-with a smile and great determination. She was a survivor! After graduation from Lincolnton High School and college, she worked in the corporate world in management until forced to retire early due to PPS effects of Polio. Not one to accept defeat, she earned her degree in psychology and counseling. Using these tools, she and her husband helped found and organize East Lincoln Christian Ministry in Eastern Lincoln County. She then volunteered in the capacity of director of Crisis Assistance for 16 years. Using her ability in fund raising to move this agency forward into two new buildings and adding many new programs such as “At Risk Children”, Easter, Christmas, Back to School, Christmas in July, Thanksgiving, and Life Skills for Single Mothers.

Always loving others, she went the extra mile by being on call seven days a week to render assistance as needed. Known for her ready smile and outgoing personality, she was loved by so many far and wide.

Kay and ELCM became the first and only individual and organization to receive the “Nine Who Care” award from WSOC-TV in the same year.

Using her great love of music and beautiful singing voice, Kay traveled far and wide here on earth with the Denver Gospel Bluegrass Band. This group sang and picked for years at such places as Rock Springs Camp Meeting, Hoot Owl Hollar many churches and care centers, and at Hardees both in Denver and Newton, NC. Many will miss the “Ham Cookin” at tent 254 at Campmeeting as they not only served up meals to all who dropped by but held a Bluegrass Jam to eat by. They never met a stranger, merely making them friends!

As Kay was not shy about sharing her love of and faith in Jesus, God called her into full time ministry. She completed the ministry classes for the N.. West District of the Wesleyan Church to become the first woman minister at Denver Wesleyan. Her unique style of preaching and teaching drew many to know Christ. The course of “Celebrate Recovery” taught by Kay will never be the same without her compassion and love for all who were hurting or struggling with issues.

She was known for her yard of flowers and joined her husband in organic gardening and fishing with their “collie children”. Her last years were spent with her constant companion Gypsy.

A Celebration of Homegoing will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 11:00AM at Denver Wesleyan Church. Lying in State will take place prior to the service from 10:00AM – 11:00AM.  Interment will take place following the service at Denver Community Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please lend a helping hand to someone or adopt a pet in Kay’s memory.