Nina Cheek

Nina Ray Hinson Cheek, age 103, passed peacefully and went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 3, 2025. Nina was born on November 13, 1921, to George Dewey and Orchie Ann Lyons Hinson. She entered the world alongside her beloved twin sister, Ima May, but faced the loss of their mother just weeks after birth. The twins were lovingly raised by their grandparents, Columbus "Dick" and Nancy Cockerham Hinson, who became their "Daddy" and "Mama."

Nina exemplified the virtues of a Proverbs 31 woman, dedicating her life as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, neighbor, friend, homemaker, and farmer’s wife. She attended North Elkin School and later married John Robert Cheek on May 9, 1942. Nina united with State Road Primitive Baptist Church alongside her husband on July 8, 1962, later serving as a dedicated 1Timothy 3:11 deacon’s wife.

Nina was preceded in death by her, husband, John Robert Cheek Sr. (Death August 5, 1985); her father, George Dewey Hinson; and her grandparents, Columbus "Dick" and Nancy Cockerham Hinson. She was also preceded in death by her firstborn daughter, Nancy Elizabeth Cheek; her twin sister, Ima Hinson Crouse; her six half-sisters, Faye, Gladys, Thelma, Doris, Hazel, and Dare—all of Danville, Virginia, an infant daughter of Zanna, Son, John Robert Cheek Jr. and his spouse, Lisa Stanley Cheek; her daughter, Zanna Rose Cheek Combs; her son-in-law, Kenneth Johnson.

Nina is survived by her children; Samuel Reece Cheek (Debbie) of Thurmond, Phyllis Johnson (Kenneth deceased) of Thurmond, Peggy Spicer (Stephen) of Thurmond, Roberta Guyer (Gilvin) of State Road, Camilla Simmons (Rickey) of Thurmond, and Teresa Sparks (Bobby) of Elkin, son-in-law, Jimmy Combs, of Elkin. She also leaves behind her half-sister, Carol Carty, of Reidsville. She adored her grandchildren, caring for many while their mothers worked: Reece, Neil, Keith, Kevin, and Nancy Cheek, Marty Johnson, Kendra Bowers, Tammy Macemore, Stephanie Stoltzfus, Melissa Stanley (deceased); Carrie Dunn; Charly Marshall, Leslie Hooper, Matthew Guyer, Shane, Dusty, and Grant Simmons, Sonya, Clint, and Meagan Cheek, Josh and Jake Key. Her love extended deeply to her forty great-grandchildren, ten great-great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, five step-great-grandchildren, and one step-great-great-grandchild.

Nina loved her neighboring communities, where she cultivated meaningful relationships and generously shared her talents. She was renowned as one of the best old-time country cooks, bringing people together with her heartfelt hospitality and delicious dishes.

Nina cherished relationships beyond her family, including Agnes Brown, Helen Holbrook, and Virginia Pardue, daughters by another mother and special friend, Debbie Cearley of Jonesville.

Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

 A funeral service will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m., April 7, 2025, at the Elkin Funeral Service Chapel with Elder LaRay Smith and Elder Jessie Hutchens officiating. Interment will follow in the State Road Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon, April 6, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 pm at Elkin Funeral Service.

The family would like to wish a thank you to Mountain Valley Hospice, Romona Pardue, Debbie Ford, Madalyn Walcott, Mandy Wood, and niece Agnes Brown for their care and support.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to the State Road Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery Fund c/o Sammy Cheek, 2929 South Center Church Rd. Thurmond NC, 28683, or Mountain Valley Hospice, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017.