Dix Ballard Nord

Mrs. Dix Ballard Nord was born October 11, 1950 in Natchez, MS and passed away April 17, 2012 in Gulfport surrounded by her loving family. She was a 1968 graduate of Natchez High School and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mississippi in 1972. On October 2, 1976, she married Peter Allen Nord, her husband of 35 years, at St. Mary's Basilica in Natchez. Dix's two children, Sophie and Watson, were the greatest joy of her life.
Dix was active in the Chi Omega Chapter at Ole Miss, serving as President. She remained involved with the sorority by serving on the Chi Omega Tau House Corporation for the past fifteen years and being active in the local alumni chapter. She served as Queen of the Natchez Pilgrimage in 1969, an honored tradition among the ladies in her family. Dix was also proud to serve on the MS Humanities Council and was an active parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
As proprietors of The Chimneys Restaurant, Dix and her family contributed to the rebirth of the Mississippi Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina with the rebuilding of The Chimneys.
Dix touched countless lives with a subtle and gentle grace. She lived her life for her children, family, endless friends, treasured employees, and the many patrons of The Chimneys. Dix enjoyed serving others by helping with community festivals and fundraisers and assisting with numerous volunteer projects. She was known by all as the most unselfish woman in the world and was blessed with a radiance that allowed her to volunteer with joy in her heart.
Dix was a nurturing, loving soul who never forgot a name, a face or a tender detail of someone's life. She truly lived her life for others, never putting herself first, and graciously caring for everyone she knew.
She was creative, artistic and made any environment more lovely and special with her natural talent for bringing warmth and beauty to any place or any occasion. She was a prolific giver of compliments and was perpetually humble and unassuming. Dix loved unconditionally, gave of herself tirelessly and anonymously, and lived her life with the heart of a servant and the demeanor of a lady.
She is survived by her husband, Peter Allen Nord; their two children, Sophie Rowan Nord and Peter Watson Nord, both of Gulfport; and her mother, Sallie Junkin Ballard of Natchez. Her survivors also include her siblings, Glen Ballard of Los Angeles, CA, Wensel Ballard Conroy (Michael) of Covington, LA, Donna Ballard Maselli (Joe) of New Orleans, LA, and John Ballard (Melinda) of Moberly, MO.; ten nephews; and five nieces. She was preceded in death by her father, Basil Glen Ballard, Sr.; her niece, Bannon Dix Ballard; her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John R. Junkin; and her paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Dudley Ballard.
Friends are cordially invited to gather at Memorial Park in Natchez and share remembrances of Dix from 9:30 am until 11:00 am on Saturday, the 21st of April. A Mass of Christian Burial is to be conducted at 11:00 am on Saturday, the 21st of April at St. Mary's Basilica in Natchez. Immediately following, the family will gather for a private interment at Natchez City Cemetery. All are invited to a social immediately following mass at the home of Mrs. Sallie Ballard. With a joyful spirit, Dix requested that friends and family wear bright colors to the services.
For her Gulf Coast friends, a Memorial Mass is to be conducted at 6:00 pm on Monday, the 23rd of April at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Long Beach. Immediately following Mass, all are invited to The Chimneys Restaurant for a celebration to share remembrances of and love for Dix.
Dix's family would like to give special thanks to all of the doctors, nurses and clergy who have cared for and been with Dix and her family throughout her journey.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to the Dix Ballard Nord Foundation, P.O. Box 486, Gulfport, MS 39502.
Arrangements are under the direction of RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Gulfport.
Tributes may be shared with the family at www.riemannfamily.com.