Lancaster, SC – Mr. David Samuel Nivens, Sr., 97, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, January 5, 2024, at White Oak Manor, Lancaster.
Funeral service will be held Monday, January 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel United Methodist Church, 1232 Curtis Street, Rock Hill, SC, with the Reverend Emily Sutton officiating. Burial will follow at Grandview Memorial Park, 420 South Cherry Road, Rock Hill. The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 14, 2024, from 4:00 until 5:30 p.m. at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732
Born in York, SC, Mr. Nivens was the son of the late Jackson Nivens and the late Margaret “Maggie” L. Porter Nivens. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Norma P. Nivens; Vergil, Cecil, Jack Jr. and Lewis Nivens; two sisters, Mary Hogue and Margaret Turney.
Recently a resident of White Oak Manor in Lancaster, Mr. Nivens was a lifelong resident of Rock Hill and attended Rock Hill High School. Mr. Nivens worked at J. C. Penney where he met his lifelong wife, Norma Pearson Nivens of 75 years. She initially caught his eye as she work at the ticket window at the Capital Theater. Mr. Nivens worked briefly for Aragon-Baldwin Mill before establishing his career with the United States Postal Service. He loved his work as a letter carrier and more, importantly, loved the people he served. His career with the USPS spanned 34 years. Following his retirement, he continued working as a medical courier, a York County bailiff, and a custodian at his church. Mr. Nivens was a strong Christian man, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and husband. Mr. Nivens was a longtime member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Rock Hill, where he served on numerous committees, including his role as the chairman of the Administration Board and the Finance Committee. He also served as a Sunday school teacher, church trustee, Lay leader, usher, choir member and taught the seniors class for 40 years. Mr. Nivens was also a member of the Methodist Men’s Club. Mr. Nivens served his country in the United States Navy, during World War II on the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard. He was a Seaman First Class, V-6 USNR.
Mr. Nivens is survived by his sister, Bobbie Nivens Thompson; his three children, David S. Nivens Jr. of High Point, N.C., Richard L. (Roxanne)) Nivens of Lancaster, Carol Nivens (Dennis) Watson of Rock Hill; six grandchildren, Heather Watson (Bobby) Bouchet, Allison Watson (Jason) Vogel, Norma “Shellie” Nivens, Elizabeth Nivens (Curwood) Dillingham, Claire Nivens (Rich) Pasquinelli and Lydia Nivens (Phil) Larson; two great-grandchildren, Audrey and Phil Larson Jr.; his sister-in-law, Jean Pearson Safdy of California.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mr. Nivens’ name to Bethel United Methodist Church Men’s Shelter, 1232 Curtis Street, Rock Hill, SC 29730.
Condolences may be sent to www.greenefuneralhome.net.