Revera Long Nixon

Revera Nixon, 88, passed peacefully on March 1, 2019, at her residence at Sunrise North Hills. She was born on July 7, 1930, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, daughter of the late Norman R. Long and Margaret “Peg” M. Edwards. Revera was born nine months after the stock market crash where $25 billion ($319 billion in today’s dollars) were lost. Norman and Peg’s daughter was brought into the world at a difficult time in our nation’s history. The family struggled along with millions of other Americans. Norman became an alcoholic and his disdain for his new daughter was palpable. Before it was common for couples to divorce, Peg left Norman and fled to Baltimore. Nelson Hartley, Revera’s uncle had acquired a gas station and was able to provide for Peg and her daughter. At that early age, Revera found a way to contribute. Her smile was infectious as she ran the cash register, pumped gas and did minor repairs on vehicles. At an early age, she demonstrated positive energy and internal strength to rise above an alcoholic father, a life-threatening disease and the Great Depression. Revera had a passion for helping people and originally wanted to be a nurse but those dreams had been squelched earlier when her graphic design talent got her admitted to the prestigious Maryland Institute of Art. The opportunity took her away from her dreams but she used her nurturing talents in other ways; first as a mother and second as a wife caring for a handicapped husband. Her husband, Frederick, who preceded her in death, had polio when he was nine and lost the use of his legs. She also took this passion to start a business. She took $50.00 seed money and started an Avon business. She overcame her natural introverted tendencies and started helping a few ladies in the neighborhood by advising them on the best beauty products for their skin type. Word spread and her confidence and business grew. She made the Presidents Club that awarded the area’s top 10% for each of her 50 years – including her last one in 2011, her last active year as an Avon Lady. Revera was known as THE Avon lady in the North Hills area for many years After Fred passed in 1988, she took the opportunity to travel and dance – two things that she could never do with her husband. She joined Friendship Force with a friend and traveled to New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, and Canada. She hosted families from Japan and Germany. She also started taking dance classes at Fred Astaire dance studios. Revera became a regular at the Friday dance parties and the Sunday Showcases where students danced in front of live audience. Revera tangoed and waltzed her way to a broad set of new friends and avoided the loneliness that many widows experience. Revera is survived by her son, Kenneth Nixon (wife, Robyn), and her grandchildren, Heather and Kyle. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Sunrise North Hills who provided care for her over the last four years. A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at North Raleigh United Methodist Church, 8501 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh, NC 27615. Family and friends are welcome to gather with refreshments immediately after the service.

Revera Long Nixon

July 7, 1930 - March 1, 2019