Nivia Urania Arce Drummond was born February 20, 1941, in the rural town of Boquete, Panama to Frederico Arce and Felipa Cepeda, and was the youngest of ten siblings. She passed quietly at home with her husband by her side, the morning of Saturday, January 4, 2025.

At 12 years old, Nivia went to live with her older sister, Melva, in Panama City, Panama, to pursue better economic and educational opportunities. Melva would continue to be by her side throughout life. As a young woman, she was a student activist in the Panama Flag Revolution and was an airline stewardess for Copa Airlines. It was during a politically tumultuous time in Panama, she would ironically meet her future husband, William Drummond, a US Army Sergeant. After thwarting dating him for over a year, she gave in to his "charm" and persistence. Nivia and William married on September 25, 1965, and became parents to three sons, William Jr., Donaldson and John.

After receiving her bachelor's degree in Spanish and a master's degree in Spanish Literature she dedicated her career to primary teaching in Chorrera and Chorillo, Panama, retiring in 1985. Nivia navigated the quality of life as a Panamanian, in American territory, married to a vocal anti-treaty leader, with familial purpose and elegance.

In 1984, under tyrannical threat, the Drummonds moved to Pensacola, FL where she then graduated with a Social Work Degree and Education Teaching Certificate to resume her professional and teaching career. They fostered many children over the years and would adopt a son, Mark, to round out their family.

She was a founding member of national and local Hispanic Cultural and Awareness Groups that provide community and college scholarships to a nascent Pensacola Latino population. She enjoyed coordinating many Latin American events and cultural dances.

Nivia was a social worker for Pensacola Catholic Charities and a substitute teacher for Escambia County School District. She attended St. Paul Catholic Church and was an avid Tipico and Pollera dancer.

She is preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings, including her beloved sister, Melva "Tia".

Survivors include her husband, Willliam "Bill" Drummond; brother, Gustavo "Tavo"; as well as sons, Billy, Donny, Johnny, and Mark.

A visitation will be held from 10:30am until a funeral service begins at 11:00am Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel.

She is grateful to Vitas Hospice for allowing her dignity in her ebbing days. To God be the Glory!