Sharon Lenz Nix

AIKEN,SC - Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother Sharon Marguerite Lenz Nix passed away at Aiken Regional Medical Center on April 24, 2023 surrounded by family. Her 76 years on this earth were marked by Sharon’s love for our Lord Jesus Christ and her family, her unceasing optimism, and care for others. Sharon was born on September 6, 1946 to the late Arthur Rueben Lenz and Margaret Adelia Uecker in the town of St. Joseph, MO. Her parents instilled in her the strong Midwestern values of hard-work, honesty, and a happy smile for all she met. Her love of music began at an early age, and after graduating from Central High School, Sharon obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from Northwestern University. Sharon excelled at bringing people together using music, through performances with her sorority Alpha Chi Omega and the annual Wa-Mu theater production - her family smiles to remember Sharon’s spontaneous joyful singing of a show tune to match the moment. Sharon continued her academics by earning a Doctorate of Education from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana in 1978, culminating in a professorship at the University of Maryland. Her research focused on using music to help young children, especially the handicapped, and Sharon trained educators in music pedagogy. Through these years, Sharon taught music and music education in elementary schools and universities. On Sunday mornings, she could often be found behind the church organ where her music served as a tangible sign of Sharon’s strong faith. In 1982, Sharon married the love of her life, Jack P. Nix, Jr. and never stopped supporting him in adventures that took them to many an Army post around the world. With great commitment to Army families, Sharon led Family Support Groups and Officers’ Wives Clubs through periods of peacetime and conflict, earning the Superior Civilian Service Award for her contributions to the 82nd Airborne community. All of these accomplishments could not compare to her proudest achievement, her family. Sharon was, and will forever be, the adoring mother to Kevin and Corbin and loving stepmother to Pamela and Graham. Sharon was unwavering in her support, encouragement, and love for her family. Absolutely devoted to each other since they first met in Old Town Alexandria, Sharon and Jack were rarely apart in the eleven years since their retirements. More recently, Sharon has transformed into “Nonna” for her grandchildren, delighting in teaching them piano, racing them down the slopes in Breckenridge, and reading together on the back porch while the summer sunsets. Over Easter, Sharon was overjoyed to spend time with her newest granddaughter, Elena. Sharon’s unstoppable spirit propelled Jack and her to boat down the Amazon River, sail the South Pacific, and camp in Alaska, making friends in travels near and far. Those who watched the Kansas City Chiefs with Sharon remain convinced her relentless hope and boisterous cheering were key to their recent Super Bowl win. Those who knew Sharon, no matter how briefly, were awed by her warmth, kindness, and thoughtfulness. In all that she did, Sharon embodied God’s love. Sharon is survived by her loving husband Jack; her sons, Kevin Richard Nix and his wife Nicole of Washington, DC, and Corbin Phillip Nix and his wife Melody of Mt. Pleasant, SC, her stepson Graham Harrison Nix and his wife Alison of Marietta, GA, and her stepdaughter Pamela Delaine Nix of Jacksonville, FL; her grandchildren Margaret, Jackson, Ethan, Wyatt, and Elena. The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 6:00pm on Saturday, 29 April at Shellhouse Funeral Home on Hayne Ave. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, 30 April 2023 at 5:00pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 902 Hitchcock Dr., Aiken, SC 29803 with the Rev. John B. Engwall officiating. Interment will be held on Friday, June 30 at 9:00 AM in Arlington National Cemetery. If attending the internment, please plan to arrive 45 minutes early to the Arlington National Cemetery administration building off of Memorial Avenue. SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801