Obituary of Sharon Patterson Nivens

Mrs. Sharon Patterson Nivens, 81, passed away Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Carrington Nursing Home. Mrs. Nivens was a lifelong Charlottean, born July 27, 1936 to the late L.W. "Pat" and Melba Patterson (Ledford). She graduated from Myers Park High School and attended Meredith College in Raleigh. From 1978 to the late 1990's, Mrs. Nivens ran her own business, J & S Sales, selling wholesale toys and gifts. Mrs. Nivens spent her life serving others, most notably as an active member of The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, of which she was an Emeritus Member, The Charity League of Charlotte and Pilot Club. She was part of countless Salvation Army Christmas Bureaus and Festival of Tables. She absolutely loved to travel and shop! During her many world travels, Mrs. Nivens ventured to England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Italy, Turkey, Greece and Egypt, including a cruise down the Nile River and a visit to the Egyptian pyramids. Her unique sense of style and love for shopping provided her with an impeccable wardrobe large enough to outfit an entire city, but what she loved most about shopping was always spoiling others with her thoughtful gifts. Her generous spirit and infectious personality, along with her piercing blue eyes, made her absolutely beautiful, inside and out. It's what will be both forever missed and forever treasured by her loved ones. She was the most loving wife, mother, Gramie and friend and it is hard to imagine this life without her. Mrs. Nivens is survived by two sons, Jack Edwin Nivens, Jr. and his wife, Cathy, of Concord and Mark Shade Nivens of Charlotte; three grandchildren, Camie Scott and her fiancé, Marc Matalavage, of Charlotte and Mary Catherine Nivens and Jack Edwin Nivens, III of Concord. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack Edwin Nivens, and her daughter, Karen Lynne Nivens, of Charlotte. Visitation with family and friends will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 12, 2018 with a service following at 11:00 a.m. at The Salvation Army Temple Corps 940 Marsh Road, officiated by Major Miriam Musgrave, Major Peggy Dick and Major Debbie Broome. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 31128, Charlotte, NC 28231. Interment will be held privately. Arrangements in care of Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service. Please share online condolences @ www.hankinsandwhittington.com