Nancy Lee Rountree

Nancy Lee Rountree, 78, of Hawthorne, Florida, stepped peacefully into the arms of Jesus on February 15, 2026, where she was reunited with the love of her life Bill. Born on January 30, 1948, Nancy was a lifelong resident of Hawthorne, where most of her family lived and where her roots ran deep. A proud graduate of Hawthorne High School, she treasured the friendships she formed there, believing that friends were simply family you chose. Over the years, many of those classmates and neighbors became just that—family in every way that mattered.

Nancy devoted her entire career to Shands Hospital, where she served in the CMHU - Children’s Mental Health Unit for early childhood autism. She poured her heart into caring for children with autism, offering patience, compassion, and a steady presence that made a lasting difference in countless young lives. Many of her colleagues became lifelong friends, drawn to her warmth, humor, and unwavering dedication.

Nancy had a rare gift for connection. She never met a stranger, and people felt safe and welcomed in her presence. You could share your joys, your worries, even your mistakes, and she would respond with kindness rather than judgment. Her generosity—whether through her time, her resources, or simply a listening ear—was given freely and without hesitation. She loved her family and friends completely and unconditionally, and that love shaped every chapter of her life.
Nancy found great joy in the simple beauty of nature, especially watching birds. Whether sitting quietly on her porch or gazing out her window, she delighted in their colors, songs, and gentle presence.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, William Edgar Wentworth Jr.; her parents, Basil Everette Roundtree and Nadine Bullard Roundtree; her brother, Basil “Bubba” Roundtree; her sister, Shirley Higginbotham; her nephew, Sandy Grayson; and her niece, Rhonda Hagedorn.
She is survived by her sisters, Jewell Rountree Thomas of Hawthorne, Florida, and Esther Roundtree Day of Keystone Heights, Florida and her sister-in-law Chloe Roundtree of Newberry, Florida. She also leaves behind her beloved nieces and nephews: Robert Grayson (Susie), Robin Nohejl, Renee Waggener, Kay Edwards (K.), Clint Blankenship, Jason Thomas, Jhett Thomas, Bryan Rountree (Michele), Susan Haines, Patti Lindsey, and Donald “Skip” Rountree. Each carries forward a piece of her love and generous spirit.

Those who knew Nancy will remember her warmth, her honesty, her humor, and the way she made every person feel seen and valued. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched—quietly, faithfully, and with a heart that never stopped giving.

A Celebration of Life will be held outdoors at her home, 20007 NE 45th Place, Hawthorne, Florida, on March 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

In memory of Nancy please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital instead of sending flowers your gift will help bring hope for a brighter future and honor Nancy’s legacy of giving and her love for children: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital