WILMINGTON — Mrs. Nancy Beam Purdy passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022, and happily rejoined Ken, her husband of sixty-eight years, almost two weeks after his death. Although her decline was unexpectedly rapid, Nancy was sustained by the presence of her family as well as the expressions of support she received after losing Ken. We now take comfort in knowing that they remained a devoted couple not only in life, but also in facing death together.
Nancy was born on April 19, 1933, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Lewis Langford and Alla Berry Beam. Although she was an only child, she was surrounded by a loving and lively family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. As a youngster, Nancy enjoyed the companionship of countless puppies and kittens, country visits with her grandparents, and trips to the seashore in Daytona Beach. Her youth was punctuated by the laughter of friends at Capitol View Methodist Church and at Sylvan Hills High, where she was a member of the school’s first graduating class in 1951.
After graduation, Nancy worked for WABE, Atlanta’s public radio station, and took classes at the Atlanta Division of the University of Georgia. By chance, a friend arranged for her to go on a blind date with a handsome Georgia Tech freshman, and at the end of the evening, she announced to her mother that she’d just met the man she would marry. Less than a year later, on an early spring evening, Nancy and Ken Purdy wed in her home church, which overflowed with family members and lifelong friends. Over the next nine years, her devotion as a wife and mother made it possible for Ken to earn three degrees at Tech while they raised two young children.
Ken’s career in academia took the family to Purdue University and then back south to Tennessee Tech University. During their years in Tennessee, Nancy enjoyed activities on campus and in the community, including the Faculty Women’s Club, P.E.O., the Cookeville Book Lovers Club, and the Friendship Class at her church. She loved to gather informally with friends in her craft and quilting groups, where she found many outlets for her creative spirit. Our entire family appreciates handmade gifts that may be traced to this happy time in Nancy’s life.
In 1976, Ken’s foray into private industry took them back to Atlanta. This move allowed Nancy to be closer to her aging parents while enjoying memorable business-related trips to Europe and Hawaii. She felt a special kinship with her Dutch hosts, whose warm welcome was reminiscent of Nancy’s innate Southern hospitality.
Upon retirement, Nancy and Ken moved to The Villages in Central Florida, where they hosted game nights and attended driveway parties in their neighborhood, The Loop. As a charter member of their church, Nancy designed and created several beautiful banners that hung in its sanctuary. She also received acclaim when her homemade apple pie won first place in The Villages’ annual Fourth of July pie contest after Ken’s taste-testing helped her perfect the recipe.
In 2010, she and Ken moved to the Wilmington area to live near family. For several years, they enjoyed sharing activities with their grandchildren, playing games with new neighbors, and attending Grace United Methodist Church. As her health and mobility diminished, Nancy appreciated visits from in-home caregivers, especially making new acquaintances by telling and listening to each other’s life stories.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and a son who died during childbirth. She is survived by her children Linda Purdy Carter (Tom) of Wilmington, and Jeff Purdy (Lorelei Goodyear) of Seattle, Washington. Nancy delighted in grandchildren Emily Carter Bradford (Brice), Will Carter (Yutong Liu), Miranda Purdy, and Lucinda Purdy, as well as great-granddaughters Grace Bradford and Lilah Bradford. She maintained a special place in her heart for animals, especially her little terrier, Eli. Although her immediate family was small, Nancy found great joy in the many friendships she made and nurtured as she and Ken moved for work and pleasure. On her behalf, we acknowledge these bonds with gratitude for all they’ve meant to Nancy over the years.
Before their deaths, Nancy and Ken requested a joint memorial service, which will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Grace United Methodist Church (401 Grace Street, Wilmington NC 28401). If you wish to remember your relationship with Nancy, please consider a donation to Lower Cape Fear Life Care (1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401) or to Grace United Methodist Church.
