NEWS

 

The obituary written by Nancy’s family appeared in the Charlotte Observer.  Yolanda Gilliam combined the obituary and the reflections shared at Nancy’s retirement on the college’s In Memoriam page. The links to those reflections (one from Dr. John W. Kuykendall and the other from Bill Giduz) are at the end of the obituary.

Nancy Overcash Blackwell, 91, formerly of Davidson, North Carolina and widow of Herbert Hoover Blackwell, passed away Saturday morning, January 9, 2021, at the Oaks at Pooler.

Born in Davidson, North Carolina, she was a daughter of the late Jimmie Lee Overcash and the late Katie Spencer Overcash. Mrs. Blackwell was a former longtime faithful member of Calvary Presbyterian Church in Davidson where she served as church organist and was a former Deacon and Elder. She later joined Davidson College Presbyterian Church.

As a senior in high school, Nancy’s journey at Davidson College began with a work study position in the Alumni Office. This transpired into a life-long career at Davidson where she retired after 61 years of service. In September, 2000, the Nancy O. Blackwell Alumni House was named in her honor for her years of devotion to the students, faculty, staff and college. She was an avid sports fan and especially loved to attend women’s basketball and volleyball games.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Drayton Levi Mitchell; sisters, Mabel Farrington, Sue Morrow and a brother, Jimmie Lee “Junior” Overcash, Jr.

Surviving are one daughter, Deborah “Debbie” B. Mitchell and her husband, Eddie, of Savannah; one son, Victor S. Blackwell and his wife, Sherry, of Matthews, North Carolina; four grandchildren, Brian Blackwell, Cory Mitchell and his wife, Dallas, Kylie Russell and her husband, Chris, and Eric Mitchell and his wife, Breanne; four great-grandchildren, Anthony Blackwell, Cohen Mitchell, Porter Mitchell and Kayden Russell; two sisters, Betty Morton and her husband, Parker, of Durham, North Carolina and Kay Spilker of King, North Carolina, and nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the special people at the Oaks in Pooler for their wonderful love and compassionate care that they gave her.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at a later date.

Remembrances: The Nancy Overcash Blackwell Scholarship at Davidson College – P.O.Box 7170 Davidson, North Carolina 28035-7145.

Please share your memories about Nancy Blackwell and her life at www.gamblefuneralservice.com.

Tribute to Nancy Blackwell by Dr. John W. Kuykendall – from June 2007.

Our own Bill Giduz’s article about Nancy Blackwell written in June 2007.