Barbara Ann Ackerman Nixon, 81, of Bridge City, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 1, 2015, at home, surrounded by her loving family.  Barbara was a living miracle, who fought a long hard fight and is now in the arms of God almighty.

Barbara Ann was born to James Hamilton and Gladys Burr Ackerman on October 12, 1934, in Henryetta, Oklahoma and moved to Port Arthur in 1940. She was a proud graduate from Thomas Jefferson High School Class of 1953 and served for many years on the reunion committee. She enjoyed her luncheons with classmates and never forgot a familiar face.

She started her banking career at Merchants National Bank in downtown Port Arthur and medically retired in 1990 from First Interstate Bank. Mrs. Nixon, as her customers remembered her, gave many individuals their first installment loan; she was the true meaning of a personal banker. Barbara was respected in her field and was the first woman Vice President Loan Officer among her peers. Her 35 year career was one she truly loved and gave all too.

Barbara married Charles Ray Nixon on January 7, 1956 and had two daughters, Laura and Lisa. She was a member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church for 49 years. After retiring, she and Charlie enjoyed family outings with the kids and grandkids, baseball outings with the boys and recitals with the girls. As most of you know, Barbara could not speak after her illness, but I think we can all agree, she was a master communicator. The smile on her face was always there, her spirit would lighten a room and you always knew you were welcome. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved her family unconditionally.

Survivors include her daughters, Laura Nixon Childress and her husband, Glyndon and Lisa Nixon New and her husband, Pat, all of Bridge City; sisters, June Ackerman Gregory of Bridge City and Carol Ackerman St. John of Mauriceville; brother, James T. Ackerman and his wife, Julie, of  Leander; grandchildren, Lenzi Belcher and spouse, Lamar; Jordan New and fiancé, Andrew Watts; Logan New; Kailey Childress; and Landen New; great-grandchildren, Trevor Kimbell, Addison Watts, and Wyatt Belcher;  numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, Vicky Gordon, Vanessa Perry, and Steven Kimbell.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys Burr and James Hamilton Ackerman; husband of 53 years, Charles R Nixon; and sister, Patricia Ackerman Lyon.

The family would like to sincerely thank Gentiva Hospice Care, In Home Attendants Service, and her personal caretakers for their love and special efforts to make each day the best.

A gathering of Mrs. Nixon’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, 2015, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland.  Her funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, November 5, 2015, at Broussard’s, Nederland, will interment at Memory Gardens of Jefferson County, Nederland.