Lois Nance, 90, of Newport, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 14, 2025, following a long illness. She was born on August 16, 1935, in Beedeville, Arkansas, to J.E. (John Erby) and Iva Mae Edwards.
A proud graduate of Beedeville High School, Lois continued her education at Arkansas State University, where she earned her teaching degree in mathematics. She dedicated her life to education, serving as an elementary school teacher at Albright Elementary in Newport for 41 years. Through her passion for teaching and her care for her students, Mrs. Nance influenced and inspired generations of young people in her community.
Beyond her career, Lois enjoyed the simple joys of life. She loved her family deeply and treasured time spent with her friends. A lover of animals, she had a special fondness for her cats, who brought her much comfort and companionship over the years. She also enjoyed collecting chicken figurines and memorabilia, building a unique and cherished collection that she joyfully shared with her loved ones.
Lois will be remembered for her kindness, her dedication to education, and the warmth she brought to all who knew her. Her memory will live on through the many lives she touched.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two young sisters.
She leaves behind her faithful husband of 63 years, Lowell Nance, of Newport, who tirelessly cared for her during her long illness, her son, Melvin Nance, MD (Mindy), of Jonesboro, AR, grandchildren, Andy Nance (Lacie), of Paragould, AR, Robin Watson (Chris), of Jonesboro, AR, and Alex Nance, also of Jonesboro, and great grandchildren, Addison, Bryden, Ella, and Nova Nance, of Paragould, and Holly Watson, of Jonesboro.
Service will be at 2:00 Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Don Robinson officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Interment will be at Eight Mile Cemetery.
