Nancy S. Jewell

Our most wonderful Nancy “Mama” Jewell has joined the heavenly choir and is talking and laughing with her husband, Richard, and other family and friends. Nancy celebrated her 97th birthday at Dominion Senior Living, where she has been a resident for almost three years, and started to decline the next day.

Nancy’s determination began at a young age when she stood on the steps of the Shadyside, Ohio elementary school and cried because her older sister was starting first grade and she would be left behind. Nancy started school at the age of four and graduated at 16. Following a few years of college and work during the start of World War II, Nancy ultimately graduated from her beloved Ohio State, one of only two women with a degree in accounting. During that time, she also met and then married her husband.

Their journeys led them to five states before finally settling in Johnson City. Three children joined the caravan along the way; Ted (Theodore), Tricia (Patricia) and Sarah. Nancy volunteered as a Gray Lady at the VA for several years before working with the Johnson City school system. She started at Fairmont Elementary and eventually moved to Science Hill High School. Along the way, she worked with many of the teachers and administrators in the school system, and became a friend to many students. As the system changed the school week for elementary schools, she was often asked “What time do the children get out today?,” which became a joke for years afterwards. Nancy was the woman in the corner office-bookstore at Science Hill, who sold pencils and football tickets.

The home of Nancy and Richard welcomed many friends of their children. Halloween was not a favorite holiday of Nancy’s, but she allowed for decorating and festivities. Richard would hand out candy while Nancy sat inside. Nancy assisted in the Girl Scout troops and drove many a car pool for her children. She was not a good driving instructor, but she meant well and firmly believed in defensive driving. Cooking was not a passion, as she would say she had worked hard all day and now someone else could cook for her. Nancy did enjoy ironing for some unknown reason.

Knitting was a passion and the nursery at the Johnson City hospital received many blankets for newborns who needed them. She was an auxiliary member and officer with the hospital. Nancy loved to work at the gift shop at the hospital and eventually became adept at blowing up the helium balloons. Nancy and Richard both enjoyed trains and were members of the National Historical Railroad Society. She adored the relationships she built with her son-in-law Karl Gibson, daughter-in-law Nancy O’Brien and grandchildren Ben Gibson, Rachel Gibson and Emily Presnell.

So many wonderful memories, too many to recount in one sitting. The family would like to thank the staff of Dominion Senior Living for their unlimited love and care. Thank you to the nurses of Amedisys Hospice care. Thank you to Gail, the only hairdresser Mama ever had since 1964. Thank you to all the coaches who listened to her post game comments.

We will miss you Mama Jewell, but your words will live on in so many ways. Your family is small but their hearts are big thanks to your guidance. Your children and grandchildren will carry on your teachings.

Mrs. Jewell is to be cremated and a service will be conducted at a later date.