Elva Bullins Nixon

Elva Lee Bullins Nixon, age 85, of Thurmond, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026.

Born on December 20, 1940, in Surry County, North Carolina, Elva lived a life marked by faith, joy, love, and service to others. She was a devoted pastor’s wife for over 40 years, faithfully serving alongside her beloved husband, Russell Nixon, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Dealie Bullins, and her 7 siblings.

Elva was a loving mother and nanny. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Marty and Angela Nixon; her grandchildren, Zach Nixon and wife Anahi, and Ashlyn Nixon and fiancé Hayden Lively; sister-in-law Lorraine Bullins; brother-in-law Roger and Jean Nixon; sister-in-law Carol Nixon. In addition, Elva will forever be cherished by her nieces, Lynn Creed and her husband Terry Creed, and Carrie Trivette and her husband Todd Trivette; her “Sunday daughter”, Michelle Roberts; and her “adoptive” granddaughter, Kelly Velasco and husband Emiliano Velasco (and their sons). She was loved by all her church family and friends.

Known affectionately by many as simply “Nanny,” Elva had a special gift for making everyone feel loved and cared for. Her warmth and kindness extended far beyond her own family, and countless people were blessed to know her in that role. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures — shopping, painting her nails, camping, flower gardening, eating chocolate, and most especially singing praises to her Lord.

Elva’s faith was the foundation of her life. As a faithful pastor’s wife and church member, she poured her heart into every congregation she served alongside her husband. Charity Baptist Church was her final church home, though she dearly loved the many church families she shared life with through the years, including Mountain Park Baptist Church, Union Baptist Church, Roaring Gap Baptist Church, Maple Grove Baptist Church, Mineral Springs Baptist Church, Arlington First Baptist Church, Cool Springs Baptist Church, Pleasant Home Baptist Church, Rock Hill Baptist Church, and Church in the Wildwood.

We are rejoicing in the promise of eternal life and take comfort knowing she is now singing in Heaven with her Savior.

Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM at the Elkin Funeral Service Chapel with Rev. Joel Blevins, Rev. Marty Nixon, and Rev. Tim Henderson officiating. Burial will follow at Mountain Park Cemetery. The family will receive friend two hours prior to the service from 2:00-4:00 PM at Elkin Funeral Service. 

The family would like to thank the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice, Kari Spang, Gracia Ocampo, Debra Wagoner, Care South, and Charity Baptist Church for the love and care shown to Elva and the family.