of Batesville, AR
July 7, 1935 - February 15, 2024
Nancy Jo (Moore) Britton, of Batesville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 15, 2024, in her home. She was born on July 7, 1935, the first child of Sidney Francis Moore and Artie ''May'' (Walker) Moore, in Anthony, Kansas, and was joined by her sister, Mary Frances (Moore) McKown, two years later. The family moved to Wichita, Kansas, where Nancy grew up and attended school. She graduated from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and met her future husband Samuel Bernard Britton, who was earning a PhD at KU. The couple married on December 21, 1955, in her parents' home, and shared 45 loving years together until Sam's death in 2000. Together they raised four children: Pamela Grace, Stuart Lee, Melissa Jane, and Cynthia Bennett.
The couple traveled with Sam's work as a chemist from Kansas to White Plains, New York; Little Rock, Arkansas; Charleston, West Virginia; Pleasantville, New York; and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. While in West Virginia, Nancy earned her master's degree in History from Marshall University while also caring for her four children under the age of seven.
Sam and Nancy set permanent roots in Batesville to raise their children. Nancy was a loving and devoted mother who instilled a love of reading, music, theater, education, and travel in her children. She was always actively involved in her children's lives and in church, and many area residents fondly remember her as their Sunday School teacher. Nancy was a proud seventh generation United Methodist, and traced her family back to a circuit riding preacher.
She had a lifelong passion for genealogy and historical research and became a dedicated historian, educator, author and community leader, all while consistently setting an example of faith, curiosity and a love of learning for her children and grandchildren. Nancy painstakingly traced the family lineage of each of her children's spouses after they married.
As an educator, Nancy served as an adjunct history faculty member at Lyon College from 1975 to 1992. She pioneered a program of teaching college-level Western Civilization courses at Batesville High School and Southside High School from 1978 to 1985, becoming the first person ever to do so for Lyon College. In 2023, Lyon presented Nancy with the Friend of Education Award.
One of Nancy's most notable contributions to the community was her 28-year role as the Editor of the Independence County Historical Society Chronicle from 1986 to 2014. In 2005, Nancy received the AHA Lifetime Achievement Award for her tireless dedication to historical preservation. She also served on the AHA Board of Trustees for ten years and chaired numerous committees. She was also a former Director of the Arkansas United Methodist Historical Society.
Nancy played a pivotal role in the founding and growth of the Old Independence Regional Museum in Batesville, serving as a trustee and former secretary of the board, and loved sponsoring museum days in honor of her grandchildren. Nancy authored and co-authored several significant works on the history of several Arkansas churches, a collectibles price guide on the Spanish-American War, and numerous other historical books, booklets and articles related to the history of Batesville, its citizens, and its historic homes.
She was a lifelong fan of Kansas Jayhawks basketball and was equally passionate about Arkansas Razorbacks football and basketball. She was an active member of Central Avenue United Methodist Church. Nancy and Sam were blessed by amazing friends throughout their life and she cherished her special friends in The Bridge Club. She loved to travel the world with Sam, and continued to travel throughout her life, even making two trips in 2023 to Philadelphia for granddaughter Kate's wedding and New York City to meet granddaughter Emily's future parents-in-law, who became special friends.
Nancy's favorite role in life was Grandma, or Gma as she was affectionately called. She developed deep relationships with all of her grandchildren and was always a wise counsel and a fun participant in their escapades. Everyone wanted Gma on their team in Trivial Pursuit, Canasta, and Mah Jong.
While highly accomplished, Nancy was above all a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, and her husband. She is survived by her four children (Pam Reese (Joe), Stuart Britton (Shana), Melissa Britton, and Cindy Barber (Lannie); eight grandchildren (Katherine Marie Reese (Curt Mauger), Matthew Britton Reese (Liz), Sam Walker Reese (Molly), Thomas Jackson Britton (Meghan), Daniel Hill Britton (Leah), Britton Ross Barber, Emily Grace Barber (Sinan Eczacibasi), and Allison Jane Barber; five great-grandchildren (Penelope Grace Barber, Desmond Ross Barber, Freya Garden Reese, Oren Shiloh Reese, and Declan Lee Britton); and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Her sixth great-grandchild, Lucy Noel Britton, is due this week and Nancy was excitedly looking forward to meeting her.
Nancy's Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, at Central Avenue United Methodist Church, with Reverend Paul Seay and Reverend Jesse James officiating. Visitation will be from 12 - 1 p.m. in the sanctuary. Burial will follow the service at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville.
Pallbearers are Lannie Barber, Britton Barber, Sinan Eczacibasi, Matt Reese, Sam Reese, and Thomas Britton. Honorary pallbearers are Stuart Britton, Hakan Hettinger, and Dan Britton.
Memorials for Nancy Britton may be made to Central Avenue United Methodist Church, 1205 N. Central Avenue, the Lyon College History Department (lyon.edu/give), or the Old Independence Regional Museum (shopatthemuseum.org).
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21 Condolence(s)
Charlie Morris
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Just found out about Mrs. Britton's passing. She was a wonderful person, mother and grandmother to a family of accomplished achievers. She will be missed by many in the community.
Donald Moore
Friday, February 23, 2024
Nancy Jo is my cousin. We lived most of our lives in long distances from each other so much of our contact was by phone or text.It was always very memorable the few times we were able to visit in person. Nancy was inspiring with her presence, energy and sincerity.
I will miss her beyond words.
Maggie Hance, Drew and LouAnna Nolley
Thursday, February 22, 2024
We are saddened to hear the news about Ms. Britton. She was so lovely to see when going to vote. Sending you all comfort and strength during this time.
Bert A Trumble
Thursday, February 22, 2024
I feel privileged to have met her recently through Cindy. Her legacy seems unmatched and her children must be very proud.
Julie and Eddie Reves
Thursday, February 22, 2024
Cindy and family, your Mom was a brilliant and classy lady. We were all blessed to know her. I hope your memories, in time, will bring you comfort. Love.
Danell Hetrick
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Cindy and Family:
What a great legacy your mother has left. I didn't know her, but it seems she was a special person who lived a blessed life filled with love from family, friends, and community. I know you will miss her dearly. I am glad that you all have such fond memories to hold on to. I pray for peace for you all.
Gina Wingo
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Melissa and Cindy and family,
Prayers for each of you. It doesn’t matter how old we are, losing our mommy is devastating. Much love and many prayers.
I always loved seeing Nancy at church. She was such a positive person and always made me feel special. I just had her sign my copy of Methodism in Arkansas. She wrote “To Melissa’s friend and my friend too.” I’ll always smile when I remember her.
Joan
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
My deepest condolences on your loss. Prayers for comfort during these coming days.
Tom
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Nancy was a powerful force in the history community in Arkansas, and, more than that, she was a great lady. I will never forget her kindness and generosity to me and my family.
Jennifer Hidy
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
My heartfelt condolences go out to all off Nancy's family. She was such a warm and caring person and she will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her.
Becky Wood
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
I knew Nancy when she first moved to Batesville. She was a genuine friend and inspiration to me. Her legacy will live on. My sincere condolences to her family.
Cindy Fletcher
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
After working same job for 45 years I have met Nancy somewhere along the way. Her life's journey was so wonderful. She accomplished so much and I know the family is proud of her. My prayers will be with the family at this difficult time. Nancy is gone but a new life is coming soon. I know she will be missed.
Bill Campbell
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Melissa, I am praying for you and your family.
Todd, Resa and Stephanie Bolin
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
She was such a classy lady that loved her family and community, We are uplifting this family in our prayers.
Tom Dillard
Monday, February 19, 2024
My sincere condolences to all of Nancy's family and friends. I knew her through the history community, and I had nothing but respect for her knowledge of state and local history. Her contributions were many, and her shoes will be hard to fill.
Tom Dillard
Patty Halcom
Monday, February 19, 2024
Nancy has been a part of my life since I was a young teen, she was another Grandmother to me.
Talks with her always made me walk away feeling happy and proud to have known her.
Praying for comfort for her family, she will be missed by many??
Art and Lois Jane Weakley
Monday, February 19, 2024
Nancy was always considered as one of the Barber family, after Cindy and Lannie were married. We will surely miss her at our gatherings. We enjoyed her stories, and she could answer most any question we asked. We grieve with all the Britton family at this sad time, but we know that Nancy is where she wanted to be, with her beloved husband, Sam. Keeping the family in prayer in the days ahead. Love to all.
Twyla Wright
Monday, February 19, 2024
Nancy has been my dear friend since 1973, when we moved to Batesville. Her insatiable appetite for historical research and writing drew me to her right away. I assisted her for many years as she wrote, and I desktop published, the Independence County Chronicle. We were a team. She had a marvelous eye for formatting text and photos. It was she who challenged me to lead an effort to create our museum, and she gave many significant ideas as she worked on the founding museum board, and served there for several years.
And then there was her commitment to the Athena Study Club. She encouraged me to join in it with her. I have a photo on my computer of her and I that was taken in the museum just last year. Her smile, her warm hand clasp will stay with me. I am so pleased that Nancy has a marvelous, attentive, loving family. God bless each of them.
Doug & Sherry Fausnaugh
Monday, February 19, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Nancy’s family. She was the kind of person we should all strive to emulate.
What a blessed, accomplished life she lived!! She has left a void in anyone’s life who was fortunate enough to have known her! RIP Nancy ??
Anne and Bill Luster
Monday, February 19, 2024
Nancy had such an incredible impact on Batesville from so many angles. There’s no replacement but we’re so fortunate to experience the fruits of her intellect. Our sympathy for the family.
Linda and Alan Moore
Monday, February 19, 2024
We will miss our wonderful friend. We loved and admired Nancy beyond measure. She was an amazing standard of what a Lady should be. Batesville will miss her greatly!!