Nancy W. Spikes' Obituary
Nancy W. Spikes, born in Salem, West Virginia on May 2, 1928, died peacefully at her home in Gainesville, Florida on March 17, 2016. She was the daughter of Calvin Jerome Workinger of Baltimore, Maryland, and Lena Catherine Pepper of Norton, Virginia. Her beloved husband of sixty-four years, James Walter Spikes, died on February 11, 2012. Her survivors are Nancy Lynne Spikes of Gainesville, Florida; Thomas Hathaway Spikes (Iris) of Palm Bay, Florida; and Daniel Alan Spikes (Janet) of Takoma Park, Maryland.
Nancy was a devoted wife and mother who interrupted her studies to raise a family, first as a military wife in California, Germany, Japan, the Philippines and Alabama, and later, in civilian life, in Gainesville, Florida, where the family established itself in 1966. She was active in civic and social life in the community and returned to work after her children were grown, finishing her studies at the University of Florida, teaching in the public schools, and serving as Field Director for the Girl Scouts of America. Nancy also encouraged young women in the pursuit of professional careers.
She lived the life she advocated and suffered the infirmities of age with grace and dignity. One of her precepts was “this is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” She devoted herself to the faith that inspired that sentiment, and conveyed its principles to children as a Sunday School teacher at the First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville, Florida.
Her interests included cooking, gardening, golf, and bridge, and she was a member of formal and informal groups dedicated to those pursuits. She was a fervent supporter of the sports teams of the University of Florida and loyally attended football games at Florida Field for many years.
Nancy leaves behind friends and family who will preserve the memory and the influence of her joyful, generous, and loving nature. The Rev. Dr. Robert Shettler will conduct a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 11, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church, 106 S.W. 3rd Street, Gainesville, Florida. There also will be a commemoration of her life at the Village Chapel, 8000 N.W. 27th Blvd., officiated by Chaplain Josh Wilson at 2:30 p.m. on the same day. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Young Life Gainesville, P.O. Box 14791, Gainesville, FL 32604; First Presbyterian Church, 106 S.W. 3rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32601; or Haven Hospice, 4200 N.W. 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606.
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