Nina Esther Devan, 85, died on December 28, 2024. Nina was the fifth of seven siblings.  She was born in Flushing, New York, confirmed in the Christian faith at St. John's Lutheran Church in Flushing and graduated from Flushing High School.  A lifelong student, she took various college courses in New York and Virginia.  She had an extensive vocabulary and enjoyed telling stories and writing. She moved to Virginia in the 1960's and worked as secretary to the Treasurer at The College of William and Mary.  She also worked in child daycare.

Nina enjoyed nature, gardening, writing, literature, art, music, horseback riding, travel and visiting with family and friends.  She was one of the first Master Gardeners on the Peninsula and worked on various projects with them in the area.  As a member of the bird club she participated in bird counting ventures.

A member of Resurrection Lutheran Church on J. Clyde Morris Boulevard in Newport News, she sang in the choir and was a member of the Hand Bell Chorus.

Friends and family remember how Nina could tell a good story, whether about her life growing up with six siblings, her adventures while traveling and involved in her various interests.

Nina was preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth and Stephen Devan; sisters, Elizabeth Devan and June Spicer; and brothers, Paul Devan and Rev. Edward Devan.  She is survived by sister Kathryn Devan; and brother Robert Devan; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

She will always be remembered as having an extensive knowledge of the scriptures and her strong faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

A funeral service will be held at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 765 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News. Burial will be at a later date in Pennsylvania.