Obituary of Nancy Lewis

Nancy A. (Brown) Lewis, age 59, passed away peacefully in her home in Peoria Heights on Friday, May 26, 2017.

She was born in Maryville, TN to Bill and Gerta (Paulsch) Brown on July 12, 1957. She married James A. Lewis in 1977 and they were together for over 25 years before they separated. Nancy spent the last 8 years with her boyfriend, Jack Dooley, of Peoria Heights.

Nancy is survived by her children, Amber (Anthony) Lewis-Loser and Jesse (Tiffany Molleck) Lewis, both of Chillicothe; boyfriend, Jack Dooley of Peoria Heights; sister, Suzanne Martinez of Wautoma, WI; brother, Bill (Anita) Brown of East Peoria; grandchildren, Haleigh, Matisyn, Bayen, Sierra, Anasea, Nevaeh, and Tyson; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and her very close friend Jean Jones of Lacon.

She was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother Opal Brown; and infant daughter, Haleigh Lewis.

Nancy graduated from Mid County High School in 1973. She worked as a school bus driver for District 321, Bemis Bag Company, Mitsubishi Motors, and most recently Affina/HGS. Nancy was poetic and passionate, always one step ahead, and went above and beyond in every situation. She was impactful, had a huge personality, and few could keep up with her. When her children were younger, she would take them to the pool everyday after school, and even made their Halloween costumes. Entertaining, hosting, and cooking was something Nancy held near and dear to her heart, as she could make something out of nothing in the kitchen and loved creating the perfect atmosphere for the people she cared for. Nancy saw the best in people, no matter their circumstances, and made it her goal to counsel and mentor anyone and everyone. She spent much of her time listening to music, which heavily inspired her life and brought healing. She had the heart of a teacher and felt people with her whole heart. Nancy enjoyed boating, fishing, and camping, and loved anything that had to do with spending time outdoors. The only breed of dog that existed in Nancy's mind was the Boxer, and she owned many over her lifetime. She was fondly called "Miss Nancy" by her friends and her life's motto was "Don't sweat the small stuff."

A Celebration of Life for Nancy will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe from 5:00-7:00 PM. Burial will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations in honor of Nancy may be made to her daughter Amber to be used for her grandchildren.

Nancy's online memorial website may be viewed at www.weberhurdfuneralhome.com