Nancy Merle George

Eulogy for Nancy Merle (Smith) George

9/17/39 = 12/20/25

Today we gather to celebrate the life and honor the memory of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Nancy Merle (Smith) George. Nancy was born on September 17, 1939, in Brownsville, Tennessee, to Mitchell E. Smith and Winnie Alice Smith. From the beginning, her life was rooted in faith, family, and a strong sense of responsibility-values she carried with her every day of her life. She was married to her husband, James Leon George, Sr., for 41 years before his passing. Their marriage was a testimony to love, commitment, and partnership. Together they raised a family that became the center of Nancy's world. Nancy was the proud mother of three children, grandmother of four grandchildren, and great-grandmother to eleven great-grandchildren-a legacy of love that will continue for generations.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mitchell E. Smith and Winnie Alice Smith; her brother, Marvin Smith of Chicago, Illinois; her husband, James Leon George, Sr.; her son, James Leon George, Jr.; and her precious great-grandsons, Noah James Jackson and Barrett Stanley Jackson.

She leaves behind her loving family who will forever cherish her memory: Her sisters, Jean Qualls of Memphis, Tennessee, and Nina Cooper of Bruceton, Tennessee; her brother, Mitchell Smith of Chicago, Illinois. Her children: Her daughter, Serena Gail (George) Wise and husband Al Wise of Arlington, Tennessee; Her son, Richard Kevin George, also of Arlington, Tennessee. Her grandchildren, all of Arlington, Tennessee: Ashley Kristal (Wise) Jett and husband Bryan Paul Jett; Summer Nicole (George) Blasé and husband Ryan Blasé; Heather Cherie (George) Jackson and husband Sean Jackson; Jarrett Taylor Wise and wife Mary Wise. Her great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy and pride:

Caleb Tyler Blasé,

Landon Taylor Blasé,

Bailey Nicole Blasé,

Bryley Nichole Jett,

Brooklyn Paige Blasé,

Presley Rose Jett,

Jude Bryan Jett,

Isabella Jane Jett,

and Madelynn Grace Jackson.

Nancy also dearly loved her puppies who visited often-her two grand dogs, Cotton and Bambi, with Bambi being her faithful companion, and her four great-grand dogs, Millie, Stella, Piper, and Barbie. Nancy was a woman who believed in hard work and gave her best wherever she went. She worked for ITT Kellogg's Communications, Continental Can Company, Dixie Mart Corondolet, Block Drugs, Firestone, and later retired from Kellogg's Company. She was also a licensed beautician and taught cosmetology, sharing her skills with others and helping them build their own futures.

She had an incredibly strong work ethic, a heart always ready to help someone in need, and a generosity that never sought recognition. And those who knew her best knew something else-Nancy was the luckiest person you'd ever meet. She won more prizes and drawings than anyone we know. Her grandchildren were certain that if she entered a drawing, she was going to win.

But today, we know she has won the greatest prize of all. As a born-again Christian, Nancy lived with faith in her heart and trust in her Savior. She has now received her one-way ticket to heaven and a place beside Jesus Himself. Though we grieve her loss, we rejoice in knowing she is reunited with her loved ones, restored, whole, and at peace. Her love lives on in her family, her faith lives on in our hearts, and her legacy will never be forgotten. Nancy, Mom, Meme-you were deeply loved, and you will be dearly missed. Until we meet again.

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