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Joan Nixon Obituary
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Rhea Daniel
September 16, 2023
Mrs. Nixon taught a continuing studies class at Rice University. She was the model of excellence in her teaching and in her writing. Her encouragement for inspiring aspiring writers came in being thorough. She was a nice lady. I feel honored to have had an opportunity to be her student.
Karen Collins-Eiland
July 18, 2003
Joan Lowery Nixon was not only my best friend but also my mentor. She shared her family, her love of writing, her religion, and her laughter with me for almost 20 years. My love poors out to her family, friends, and readers. May God bless Joan.
Holly Strapulos
July 10, 2003
Our school librarian emailed me regarding Joan L. Nixon's death. It just took me by complete surprise and dismay. I felt a small part of me died with her. As one who loves to write for children, I have always admired and learned so much from Joan. I've attended a writing seminar with her and met her several times at our school book fairs. She was always popular with the children and staff and such fun to talk to about her writing. A school year does not go by without my reading aloud at least one of her books. She will be greatly missed and my deepest condolences are extended to all of her family and friends . God Bless you Joan. You gave me the spark and incentive to keep trying no matter what when it came to writing!
Stacy King
July 8, 2003
I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Nixon at the Share A Story program in February at the Houston Museum
of Health & Medical Science. I am a Girl Scout co-leader for my daughters Brownie troop and I'm also a Kappa Delta Sister ('87 graduate-Gamma Rho), which made this a special treat! Our Brownie girls enjoyed reading her books and will treasure their autographed copies of her books! May God grant you His grace during this time of sorrow. Sincerely, Stacy King and daughter, Hannah
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Corre Stegall
July 7, 2003
Joan Nixon was one of the most talented women I've ever known, and she combined that talent with a deep compassion. She delighted in her writing because the children who read her books derived such great pleasure, and the books transported them into a world they'd perhaps never known. My son adored her books, and particularly enjoyed the book on geology that was co-authored by Joan and Nick. As her Kappa Delta sister, I have such great respect for her tremendous service in writing the "My Baby" series that has undoubtedly greatly aided in the prevention of child abuse and assisted countless young parents. It was the Kappa Delta Foundation's honor to have a small part in the publication of one of that series. My prayers are with Joan's family; she will be greatly missed by you and her thousands and thousands of friends and adoring fans. She was one of life's great blessings to us all. Corre Anding Stegall, Chairman of the Kappa Delta Foundation
Beth Floyd
July 3, 2003
I met Mrs. Nixon when I was very young at a library convention. I fell in love with her books at an early age and always looked forward to the next one coming out. I would attend either ALA or TLA every year and hope that I would get to see her. She was a wonderful person who will truly, truly be missed. The autographed books I have will be even more treasured now. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Sharon Smith
July 2, 2003
I was sorry to hear about my aunt's passing but knowing she had her family with her was comforting. The world is a better place because she was here, and she will be missed. My condolences to all who love Joan.
Sharon (Tubbs) Smith and family
Karin Scott Cunningham
July 2, 2003
I believe that a mother's love is reflected in the hearts and souls of children. Having known Mrs. Nixon only through her beautiful and talented daughter, Eileen, I have seen her grace and charm ... and am comforted knowing they will live on.
God bless you all. My prayer are with you.
Karin Scott Cunningham
Joy Hutchison
July 1, 2003
Joan was a treasure. We were so blessed to have her a part of ours.
Nancye Whitson, Secretary Getty Alumni Association-Houston
July 1, 2003
May you find comfort in the fond memories of Mrs. Nixon.
May God Bless each of you.
Carole Nelson Douglas
July 1, 2003
How sad to learn of Joan's death. She was a wonderful and influential writer whose deep interest in others and support of them endeared her to readers and fellow writers. She'll be remembered very warmly by anyone who met her even casually. My sympathies to her family and close friends for the loss of this energetic, creative, and blythe spirit.
Charlene Mueller
July 1, 2003
We always enjoyed your work, you will live on in the words of your wonderful books and other publishings. Thank you for the many years of imagination you gave.
Julie Fix
July 1, 2003
Losing Joan is like losing a treasure. But how fortunate we all are that she leaves such a full, living legacy in her work -- both her writing and her service to others. Reading her Houston Post column was a highlight for me growing up and, as I feel lucky to have told her, helped shape my own writing style. Sharing Kappa Delta service with her was an unexpected treat. She will be missed by many. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends. Julie Brasel Fix
carol schmitz
July 1, 2003
Joan Lowery Nixon was the kind you human being you’re blessed to know. She possessed a genius with words, a kind heart, a compassionate nature and a zest for living. She shared not only her talents but also her love freely. Sharing a laugh with Joan warmed you to the core. I will never forget her.
Julie Herman
July 1, 2003
Joan was one of the lovliest, generous-hearted women. I met her through Sisters in Crime and MWA and feel very fortunate to have known her. She is very much missed.
Diane Buster
July 1, 2003
As a library assistant at Campbell Middle School, I check out many of Mrs. Nixon's books to our students.
They loved those mysterys.
My condolences to the family. She will be missed.
Bettina Restrepo-Williford
June 30, 2003
Joan,
You were a kind and giving person to your fellow writers. We will always be grateful and in awe of your work.
You inspire the reader and the writer alike.
Kathi Appelt
June 30, 2003
Joan Lowery Nixon was one of the most generous people I've ever met. When I was just starting out in my own writing, she gently guided me, encouraged me. Her heart was big and warm, and her laughter deep. She represented the best in humankind. Luckily for all of us, she left behind a body of work that will continue to draw young readers in, and the rest of us too. Godspeed Joan, and thank you.
Pam Zollman
June 30, 2003
Joan was always such an inspiration to me -- so warm, so friendly, so willing to share her vast knowledge about writing. I'm going to miss her a lot! Her spirit will live on in her books. She was one of the very best children's writers of our time.
Stephanie Borgman
June 30, 2003
On behalf of the Children's Librarians of Harris County Public Library I wish to express condolences to the family of Joan Lowery Nixon. She was not only a gifted author, but also a lovely, gracious lady and a great friend of libraries. We will surely miss new books from Mrs. Nixon's imaginative mind, but will cherish the wonderful body of work she has left us. The children of our community are richer for having been exposed to her grace and humor during her visits to our branches. To say she will be missed is inadequate.
wes johnson
June 30, 2003
Children of all ages will forever love Joan Lowery Nixon, one of God's finer creations. She took the time to share her talents with us all. And we shall never forget her.
Mary Katherine Marion
June 30, 2003
Joan's passing brings to mind this quote: "Great it is to say that none can take her place, for she leaves a memory that time cannot erase."
Joan was a tremendously talented lady who carried herself with grace and style no matter what she faced. She was courageous and generous with both her talent and her time.
I have been blessed to have had her friendship for many years.
I shall miss you, my dear friend.
Christina Munn
June 30, 2003
I really enjoyed Joan Lowery Nixon's books, and I have read all of them. She wrote some of my favorites, and am disappointed to hear of her death.
Pat Shaer
June 30, 2003
I met Joan at the Grace School Grandparents' Day in 2001. I was overwhelmed by her unassuming way, and kindness with my daughter and me while talking about writing, including her career in radio. It was such and honor for me to spend some time with her as I knew her name since I was young. She was a charming and gracious lady. I know she will be missed greatly.
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