Nina Reynolds DeMarkey

Nina was born on October 13, 1952, in Iredell County. She lived a life defined by faith, service, and a deep compassion for others. Her professional career spanned several decades, most of which she spent in Southern California, where she made meaningful contributions to leadership, management, and higher education.

She began her career as an HR Manager with BI Technologies Corporation before transitioning into higher education in 1995. Nina served in a variety of academic and leadership roles, including instructor, placement specialist, and Director of Multimedia and Grants for one of California’s Economic Development Network Initiatives (EDNET). She also worked as an adjunct career counselor at Cypress College. In 2004, Nina was appointed Dean of Social Sciences at Cypress College, where her dedication to students, faculty, and academic excellence left a lasting and meaningful impact on the college community.

Nina’s greatest strength came from her faith. She had a profound love for the church and a close, personal relationship with God that guided her through every season of life. Even during times when life required her to walk forward on her own, she did so with courage, grace, and an open heart. Nina believed deeply in loving all people and lived that belief daily. She also held a special fondness for cats, whose companionship brought her comfort and joy.

Nina was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved older sister, Debbie who she now reunites with in Heaven.

She is survived by her loving younger sister, Christia, her nephew, Jordan Foley, his wife Sydney, and their children, MJ and Ronnie; her niece Melea Mayen, her husband Anthony, and their daughter Flora; and her niece, Heather Foley.

Nina was a cherished friend, sister, and aunt whose presence, wisdom, and love will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.

Nina’s legacy of faith, compassion, and service will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is at peace and in the presence of the Lord she loved so dearly.

A Celebration of Life service for Nina will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday March 22, 2026 at the Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Home Sedgefield Chapel. A visitation and reception will follow the service.