Nancy Bivens Cress

MARION, Va.

Nancy Bivens Cress, age 69, passed away Friday, January 14, 2022 in Salem, Va.

Nancy had the most infectious belly laugh that would just bring you in to her fun and bubbly personality. She taught high school French in North Carolina for a couple years after graduating from Emory & Henry College. She then made her way back to Smyth County, teaching in Atkins and retiring as a 4th grade teacher for Marion Intermediate School. Nancy loved fitness and operated one of the first woman owned fitness centers, For Ladies Only, in Marion for more than 10 years. She also taught water aerobics when the Lifetime Wellness Center opened. Decorating for Christmas and spending time with family was at the top of her list, and she loved her Sunshine Bus Tours. Nancy’s smile, laugh and life touched many people and made them smarter, healthier and better – and for that, she will be missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernie and Ethel Bivens; infant brother, Donald Ray Bivens; and brother, Freddie Bivens.

Nancy is survived by her brothers, Jack Bivens of Abingdon, Va., and Mike Bivens and wife, Sharon of Virginia Beach, Va.; sister-in-law, Vickie Bivens of High Point, N.C.; four nieces, Skyler Bivens of San Francisco, Cali., Tessa Bivens of Virginia Beach, Va., Jennifer Mason of Charlotte, N.C., and Rebecca Kirkman of High Point, N.C.; two great-nieces, Ashley Mason and Allison Kirkman; two great-nephews, Dustin Bivens and wife, Ali and Alex Mason; special friends Margaret Lee, Mushell Shazier, Ginny Moorer and the 2nd floor staff of Valley Health Care Center, Chilhowie, Va.

Graveside services will be private at Rose Hill Cemetery, Bastian, Va.

To share memories of Nancy Bivens Cress, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Nancy’s family has been entrusted to Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion, Va. 24354.