Dr. Nancy Lou Curry was born August 8, 1940 in Ottawa, KS. Her earthly journey ended August 22, 2024 in Springfield, Missouri.

Nancy was one of three children born to James and Mary Lois Curry. Her brothers, Jim and Billy, predeceased her. As a family, the Currys attended Trinity United Methodist Church in Ottawa. It was there, as a child, Nancy received Christ as her Savior. Her love for the Lord, His church, and His people was central to her entire life.

An outstanding athlete in high school, Nancy excelled in swimming and diving. She was a graduate of Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas, and earned her Ph.D. in physical education at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles.

Nancy taught at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, before coming to Missouri State University (formerly Southwest Missouri State) in 1967. During her 29-year career at MSU, she taught upper division classes in the Kinesiology Department, developing future coaches and physical education teachers. Nancy would say she taught the "fun classes."

She also helped develop the intramural program, coached field hockey, and was the assistant track coach. Her books on fencing were used in universities across the nation. In 1985, she was inducted into Missouri State University's Athletic Hall of Fame.

Throughout her career, Nancy focused on her students and took pride in each one's success. Many of them stayed in touch with her over the years and, frequently, friends were introduced to "a former student of mine."

In her leisure time, Nancy enjoyed whitewater kayaking, sailing, hot air balloon rides, watching basketball and football, and camping in Wisconsin and Minnesota. With Marilyn Moore – her friend of 38 years – a dog, and two cats, she traveled in a motorhome to all regions of the nation. She was an avid reader and loved western movies. Marilyn claims there are many dead cowboys and Indians behind Nancy's TV!

Mindful of John Wesley's admonition to "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can," Nancy served her church with the same dedication she gave to her classroom career. For 22 years, she taught the Messengers adult Sunday school class and was Schweitzer's church treasurer for 17 years. If Nancy said, "I'm praying for you," rest assured she was.

Her many friends and family members mourn their loss, but rejoice that she is enjoying the presence of her Lord with a clear mind and healed body.

Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Schweitzer Church. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy's name may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, Rainbow Network for Missions or Crosslines.

In Marilyn's words, "Goodbye, my forever friend."