Deaconess Nancy Ann Taylor Browdy

Deaconess Nancy Ann Taylor Browdy, 86, of Windsor Locks, CT, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 26, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Nancy was born in Hartford, CT, on March 21, 1939. At an early age, she was adopted and raised by her parents, the late Reverends William F. and Alice M. Taylor of Middletown Connecticut. "Ann", as her family fondly called her, was raised in a family filled with love, laughter, honor, respect and a firm foundation in Christ.
Nancy met her husband, Clarence, in early 1963. They fell in love and were married on November 7, 1964, in a ceremony officiated by her favorite uncle, the late Elder Robert J. Davidson-beginning a journey of love that remains eternal. If you saw one, you saw the other; they were truly inseparable. They loved, laughed, listened, learned, traveled and did life together, sharing 61 years of beautiful memories. From this union came the two other loves of her life: their daughter, Aleece Joy, and their son, Bruce Julian both of whom they raised to love God.
Nancy committed her life to Christ at a young age, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit at the True Vine Fire Baptized Holiness Church in Portland, CT under her father's pastorate. A faithful and dedicated member, she served as the New England District Secretary for the FBH church, sang in the True Vine choir, and attended services and conventions, including the Sisters of Charity Conventions and the Young People Institute in Atlanta, GA.
Educated in the Middletown Public School system, Nancy went on to pursue her degree at the University of Connecticut. She began her career with the Connecticut State Library in the early 1960s and retired in 1992. Her hardworking spirit eventually led her back to the workforce, where she worked at Fleet Bank and later at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, fully retiring in 2019. She was also a proud member of the Sigma Phi Lambda sorority where she especially enjoyed their annual card parties.
Nancy's life was defined by her devotion to her church. In 1976, she joined Hopewell Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. William J. McKissick. She was most passionate about the ministry of ushering and was the last surviving founding member of the Connecticut Interdenominational Church Ushers Association (CICUA). Within Hopewell, she was a founder of the Young Adult Usher Board, served as President of Usher Board #2, supervised the Junior Usher Board for many years, and served as the Mother of the Combined Usher Board. A true highlight of her service was attending the National Ushers Conventions, including the Centennial Convention in Philadelphia in 2019. She was also a founder of United Youth for Christ.
Ordained as a Deaconess in 1984, Nancy served with distinction as President of the Deaconess Board until 2024. She left a lasting impact on new believers, lovingly preparing them for baptism. Known for her warmth, Nancy was often the first to greet new members with a hug, welcoming them into the Hopewell family.
Affectionately known as "Fancy Nancy," she was an avid shopper with a legendary "hat game." During her lunch breaks, she could often be found in the G. Fox shoe department in downtown Hartford. She was also a sports enthusiast, spending her weekends watching golf and cheering for the New York Giants and her beloved UConn Women's Basketball team.
She leaves to cherish her wonderful memory her loving husband, Deacon Clarence Browdy; her daughter, Aleece Joy Browdy-Ellison; her son, Bruce J. Browdy (Tanesha); and five grandchildren: Christopher, Kwarone, Christina, Khiara, and Anthony. She also leaves her "bonus" grandchildren: Dominique Weston, Tynnasia and Taylar Mills, and Sydney Govan, along with several great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her sister, Sandra Taylor-Booker (Robert); her sister/cousin, Dorothy Martin; and her favorite cousin, Pastor Ro-Adrienne Davidson. She leaves a host of nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews who affectionately called her "Aunt Me-May," as well as many cousins and godchildren. Her love extended beyond bloodlines to her bonus daughters, Daphne Lewis (Morris) and Rev. Althea Clarke; her niece, Minister Tasha Young; and dear friends Betra (Ms. B) Kennedy, Frances Majors, Javont, and Sheena DeGraffenreaidt, and Kathryn Hughey.
Nancy lived a full life, rooted in her love for God, family, and friends. Though she will be missed dearly, we find peace in her favorite encouragement: "Just live right, and you'll see me again."