Laura Kate "Laurie" Nixon

Laura Kate "Laurie" Evans Nixon of Tallahassee, Florida, passed peacefully from this life on November 30, 2025, surrounded by family and love, following an extended illness she faced with quiet courage. She was born November 21, 1952, the first child of the late Lawrence Benjamin and Mary Kate Miller Evans, lovingly known as Bud and Kitty.

Laurie was a woman of grace and contrasts - elegant yet down-to-earth, poised yet delightfully warm. A lifelong Tallahassee girl, she was always impeccably dressed and effortlessly stylish, but her happiest days were spent in her flip flops at the Mexico Beach house she shared for decades with her beloved husband, Nick.

She graduated from Leon High School in 1970 and with honors from Florida State University in 1974 with a degree in Humanities. She was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority and remained an active alumni of her Gamma chapter serving as a recruitment and executive board advisor. One of her proudest achievements in life was the special role she played as a loving second mother to her nephew Andy and niece "Little" Laurie - a bond she cherished deeply.

Laurie loved preparing wonderful meals for family and friends and taking long, peaceful walks with her adored dogs- Reggie, Bitsy, Lily, and Molly.

Though essentially shy and happiest in her favorite pink chair journaling with her "soaps" on in the background, Laurie brought an easy, gracious warmth to every gathering. Her laughter could light up a room, and her wide, bright, glorious smile made everyone feel appreciated and embraced. To her siblings, she was the "big sister who thought they were bratty pests," yet they all idolized and adored her. As the years passed, she became their confidante, protector, and treasured best friend.

Those who knew her will remember most her extraordinary patience, kindness, humility, and generosity of spirit. Whether facing life's great challenges or its smallest frustrations, Laurie approached everything with quiet strength and grace. She never spoke ill of anyone - her words were always gentle, encouraging, and kind. She made people feel seen, appreciated, and loved. Laurie's kindness, laughter, and warmth leave a lasting imprint on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

Laurie was preceded in death by her stepson, Rick Nixon.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Fred C. "Nick" Nixon; sister and brother-in-law Lee Ann and Dewey Brock of Quincy; brother and sister-in-law Larry and Lynn Evans of Windmark Beach; brother Lesley Evans of Tallahassee; sister and brother-in-law Lisabeth and Billy Newton of Cartersville, GA. She is also survived by niece, Laurie Lee and her husband Justin Morris; nephews, Andy Brock, Carter Evans, and Ben Newton and his wife, Avery; as well as grand-nieces and grand-nephew, Everly and Charlee Morris and Jenni and Eli Brock.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Azalea Gardens and Big Bend Hospice, specifically Jane Mbuya and Elizabeth Giesemann, for their compassionate care and support during Laurie's illness.

A celebration of Laurie's life will be held at Bevis Funeral Home on John Knox Road on Monday, December 8, 2025. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 9am followed by a celebration of Laurie's life at 10am. Interment will follow at MeadowWood Memorial Park on Timberlane Road. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice and Last Hope Pet Rescue.

Rocky Bevis and Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) are assisting the Nixon family with their arrangements.