Nancy Spain Parvin

Nancy Spain Parvin died on Monday August 31, 2020 after a prolonged struggle with both Crohn's Disease and cancer. To the very end she demonstrated the strength, will and determination which characterized her life. To her husband she was "Baby". To her children she was "Mama". To her grandchildren she was "Nana". We will all miss her deeply. Nancy was a proud, lifelong resident of Rocky Mount. She was the daughter of Arthur and Carrie Taylor Spain and grew up in the Rocky Mount Mills village surrounded by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Nancy spent a lifetime being a hard worker and trying to improve herself and her life every day. She worked at Burlington Industries' drapery plant for 23 years, beginning as a sewer and advancing to being a department supervisor. When that operation closed, she went back to school to be trained as a hair stylist and succeeded at that just as she had at so many other things, retiring after 17 years. At home, like many other wives and mothers, she wore many hats: cook, housekeeper, laundress, doctor, gardener, interior decorator, and fashion consultant. She was an animal lover who over time cared for many cats and dogs, but in her later years found dogs to be especially lovable. Besides her husband Joe, Nancy leaves memories with her son Bill Strickland and his wife Libby of Greensboro, her son David Strickland of Rocky Mount, her son Josh Parvin and his wife Cierra, also of Rocky Mount, and her son Jeremiah Parvin and his wife Vanessa of Tucson, AZ. In addition, she leaves her beloved sister Shirley Parker and husband Leaston of Rocky Mount, niece Elaine Mehle (husband Paul) and nephew Jamie Parker, sister in law Carolyn Darden and husband Jim of Greenville, and grandchildren Sara (husband Ben) , Carrie, Max, Brock, Vivi, Owen, Brooklyn, and Eric. Last, but not least of those who will miss her, her cousins Jan Shearin and Melga Wainwright both of Rocky Mount. A Celebration of Nancy's Life for extended family only will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 5:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Visitation with the family will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM following the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Thursday 9/3, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Visitation with the family will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM following the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. Service Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home 1130 N. Winstead Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Thursday 9/3, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm A Celebration of Nancy's Life for extended family only will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 5:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services.