Ms. Nina Fernn Cardwell, 64, of Southern Pines, North Carolina entered into eternal rest on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at First Health Moore Regional Hospital Pinehurst, North Carolina. 

Nina, a cherished educator, dedicated sorority sister, and loving family member, died unexpectedly at Moore County Memorial Hospital in Pinehurst, NC, on Saturday, September 7, 2024, following a sudden illness. Born on August 25, 1960, in Queens, NY, to Lazarus Cardwell, Jr., from Halifax County, VA, and Elizabeth Stancil Cardwell, from the Jackson Hamlet Community
in Pinehurst, NC, she grew up imbued with a deep sense of community and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

She graduated from August Martin High School in Jamaica, Queens, NY, before embarking on a journey of lifelong learning and service. She earned her Associate Degree from Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, NC, a Bachelor’s degree from Bennett Liberal Arts College in Greensboro, NC, and a Master’s Degree from Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, NC. 

Dedicated to empowering the next generation, she devoted her career to special education, touching many lives as a Special Education Teacher and later as a passionate substitute teacher in Moore County. Even in retirement, she continued to serve, actively participating in tutoring through the Moore Literacy Council and engaging in local voter registration drives.

A proud and active Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. member, in Laurinburg, NC, her commitment to service and excellence was evident in all her endeavors. She brought light and love into every room and left a lasting impact on everyone she met. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lazarus and Elizabeth.

Nina is survived by her brother Lynn Cardwell (Oradean), of Mint Hill, NC; her uncle, William (Bill) Stancil (Margaret) of Greensboro, NC; an aunt, Betty Camp of Raleigh, NC; and her special  cousin, Betty Hayes of Southern Pines, NC; along with a host of other cousins, nieces, nephews, colleagues, and dear friends whose lives she enriched profoundly. 

Her legacy of kindness, education, and community service will forever resonate in the hearts of those she touched. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Moore Literacy Council, an organization close to her heart.

Please keep the family and friends of Ms. Nina Fernn Cardwell in your thoughts and prayers. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Moore Literacy Council, an organization close to her heart.

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Southern Pines, North Carolina.