WILMINGTON — Lillie “Nanette” Wells Langley, passed away peacefully after a brief and unexpected illness at Lower Cape Fear Hospice on May 26, 2024. Nanette was a true servant of God, a magnificent educator, leader, friend, sister, cousin, aunt, and a true encourager. She leaves behind a legacy of selflessness, compassion and unwavering love and concern for everyone she encountered. She loved and loved deeply.
Nanette was born April 1 (April Fool’s Day) 1951 in Hialeah, Florida, moving to Wilmington NC when she was a young child. Nanette graduated from New Hanover High School in 1969. She attended UNCW, graduating in 1973 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and received her master’s degree in education at East Carolina University.
Nanette was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy Roberson Langley and Hal A Langley.
She leaves behind two sisters, Susan Langley (husband, Randall Broadfoot) and Charlene Langley Brooks (husband, Larry Brooks), many loving cousins, an uncle, and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her family of educators, her family of childhood friends, and her loving dachshund, “Gus”.
Growing up in Wilmington Nanette attended Sunset Park Baptist Church. She moved to Rocky Mount, NC and attended Englewood Baptist Church. After moving back to Wilmington, she found her church home at Christ Community Church. Nanette quickly became involved at Christ Community Church where she charted and lead a Seniors Group-DCG.
Nanette’s teaching career began in Nash-Rocky Mount NC school system at Englewood Elementary. She held various roles including Lead Teacher and received numerous Teacher of the year awards. After 30 plus years of classroom teaching, Nanette continued her career in Education working with the NC Teacher Academy and NC Department of Public Instruction before retiring for the second time. She was highly respected in her field and always had the heart of every child in her view.
After retirement Nanette and her sisters owned and managed a small Hotel at Carolina Beach for several years. After the family business was sold, Nanette spent time traveling and enjoying numerous adventures with her friends and family. She enjoyed working in her yard, working on arts and crafts projects, operating several consignment booths, playing with her dog Gus, and dedicating much of her time to her responsibilities at Christ Community Church.
A celebration of Nanette’s Life will be held Saturday June 1, 2024, at Christ Community Church located at 4555 Fairview Dr, Wilmington, NC 28412. Visitation will begin at 10am followed by Celebration of Life at 11am. Burial will follow the service at Oakdale Cemetery.
Nanette impacted hundreds of lives during her career as an educator and through her service in her church community. She was a kind, sweet and humble human being, well respected, admired and will be missed by all of those who loved her.
Donations in Memory of Nanette can be made to Christ Community Church Capital Campaign (4555 Fairview Rd Wilmington NC 28412), NC Foundation for Public School Children, or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Hospice.
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