Jayare Nickerson

Claude C. Nickerson, Jr (Jayare), passed away on February 2, 2024 on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Jayare was born to Claude and Rose Nickerson on January 20, 1961 in Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Virginia Ann Cook and Margie Ann Nickerson.

Those left to cherish his memories are his children, Jamie Mondragon (Jimmie) and Stephen Sawyer (Amy). His brothers, Jeff Nickerson (Su), Walter Nickerson, Mike Nickerson (Katie) and Ricky Nickerson. His grandchildren, Dominic, Christian, Sahara and Nikoli. A very special Uncle and Aunt, Wayne and Louinda Jones and the Mother of his children, Mary Ann Taylor. He had numerous nieces and a nephew.

Jayare was best known as being a Taxi cab driver in Virginia Beach. Many people would request to ride in his cab especially since he decorated it with neon lights and played karaoke. He had a special passenger, Rocky dog that rode next to him in the cab. Jayare loved music, bowling, swimming, watching Jeff Gordon race and the Miami Dolphins play. He liked to spend Sundays with family and enjoying a delicious meal especially deviled eggs and pretzels. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren who called him Big Poppa.

For the last couple of years, Jayare lived at Shore Health & Rehab Center in Parksley, VA. While there, he was gifted a motorized scooter in which he decorated with lights and a personalized license plate. He would drive down the halls of the rehab center and for some of the residents that could only sit in their wheelchairs, Jayare would hook them to his scooter and ride them down the hallways so they could visit with others. The Residents of Shore Health held an election and voted him as Resident Council President. Jayare always wanted to make others happy.

Jayare was so appreciative to all the nurses and staff at Shore Health & Rehab Center (A Wing) and DaVita Onancock Dialysis and especially Mr. Claude, Key West, Debbie Merritt, Ms. Nickerson, Carol and Amy.  At Shore Health, Mr. Claude who worked in the Maintenance department built Jayare a craft table so he could sit in his room and create birdhouses, fish, rocking chairs, angels and so many other arts & crafts that he sold and shared with so many people. Jayare was a tremendous character who liked to entertain, a fantastic storyteller and had a jovial soul. He made friends wherever he went. He will truly be missed.

A celebration of Jayare’s life will be held at a later date and announced on Facebook.

Condolences can be sent to Jamie Mondragon, 1059 Taylor Estate Rd, Williamston, NC 27892 and Stephen Sawyer, 15484 Leroy Lane, Painter, VA 23420.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore, Virginia.