Nancy Ann Wilson, 88, passed away on Oct. 13, 2022, at Westminster Village North in Indianapolis.
She was born on Sept. 28, 1934, in Broome County, New York, and was raised by her foster mother, Rev. Ernestine Glasstetter, in the Cascade Valley where she attended the Churches of Christ in Christian Union.
While a high school student at Eastern Pilgrim Academy, Allentown, Pennsylvania, 17-year-old Nancy met her future husband, Norman G. Wilson, of Rensselear, New York, who was making a campus visit. Both went on to attend Eastern Pilgrim College and were wed on Nov. 17, 1956. They were married for nearly 66 years.
After graduation, Nancy became a homemaker and partner in her husband’s ministry in The Wesleyan Church, which spanned more than 50 years and included pastorates in Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Michigan, as well as more than 33 years as speaker on the international radio broadcast, The Wesleyan Hour.
As her family grew, Nancy completed a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan and a Master’s degree at Ball State University, both in education. She taught kindergarten for over 20 years, notably at Lakeview Christian School in Marion, Indiana, and Heritage Christian School in Indianapolis.
Nancy was known for her deep faith in Jesus Christ, as well as her positive outlook and empathy. She delighted in teaching children and was much loved by her students. For years after her retirement, Nancy received invitations to baptisms and weddings of her former kindergartners. Her warmth and openness toward others led to frequent interactions in which store clerks, service people, and others who would confide in her and request that she pray for them.
Nancy had an appreciation for elegant things and enjoyed dressing well. She was an avid collector of antique furniture, clocks, and dishes and she devoted great attention to designing the landscape and décor of the home in Noblesville, Indiana, that she and Norman shared for 35 years.
She is survived by her husband, the Rev. Dr. Norman G. Wilson of Indianapolis; a daughter, Beth (Allen) Pope of Indianapolis; and two sons, Lawrence Wilson of Pendleton, Indiana, and Jonathan “Joe” (Dena) Wilson of Noblesville, Indiana.
She leaves grandchildren, Isaac Pope, Enoch (Jessica) Pope, Eli (Lisa) Pope, Sophia Pope, Joshua Pope, Isaiah Pope, Lydia (Andy) Nelson, and Riis (McKenzie) Wilson, as well as great-grandchildren, Keegan Pope, Jaden Pope, Katie McMurray, Joshua McMurray, Gavin Pope, McKenzie Pope, Caleb Pope, and Harpar Pope.
Nancy was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Laurinda Wilson (1990) and Uriah Wilson (2017).
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Nancy’s life will begin at 2:00 pm with Rev. Dr. Coleen Derr officiating. Burial will take place at Grant Memorial Park.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com. To send flowers to the family of Nancy, please visit our floral store.