Nancy Kashner Durrett

1937 - 2025

Nancy Kashner Durrett

January 12, 1937 - February 28, 2025

Nancy Kashner Durrett, born on January 12, 1937, in York, PA, passed away on February 28, 2025, in Richmond, VA, surrounded by her family. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Bonnie Kashner, and her sister, Joan Eckenrode. She is survived by the love of her life of 68 years, Joseph R. Durrett Jr.; her children, Joseph R. Durrett III (Christian), David E. Durrett (Susan), and Kathy Gentry (Wayne); her sister, Ann Thorn; her brother, John Kashner (Sally): five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Nancy dedicated her life to the field of nursing and education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Medical College of Virginia in 1958 and later obtained a Master of Science from the same institution, now Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), in 1972. She was a proud member of the Sadie Heath Cabaniss Society, Sigma Zeta Honorary Science Society, and Sigma Theta Tau. Her career was marked by significant contributions to nursing education and leadership. She worked as a staff nurse at St. Mary's Hospital ER before transitioning into academia as an Assistant Professor of Nursing at VCU. She later served as Program Head for Nursing at John Tyler Community College and the Executive Director of the State Board of Nursing of Virginia. Nancy was also elected to two terms and served as vice-president on the Board of Directors for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. In recognition of her dedication and impact, she received the Alumni Star Award from the VCU School of Nursing in 1998.

Nancy's life was a testament to love, family and service. She was a fierce protector of her family and was never more proud than when sharing the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. She kept many photo albums of their accomplishments and attended numerous children's and grandchildren's athletic endeavors or school functions. Nancy loved going to the beach, particularly Emerald Isle, where the family vacationed for over 35 years. She and Joe had a passion for travel and visited places all over the world for culture and adventure. She loved college basketball and was a big fan of the VCU Rams. Depending on the holiday, she would make her famous cheese biscuits, frozen fruit salad or chocolate easter eggs. Nancy was an avid bridge player who enjoyed time at the card table with her friends in The Bridge Club. She is a past president of the Ginter Park Junior Women's Club, a member of St. Thomas Episcopal church since 1961 and a member of numerous book clubs. Nancy was respected and loved by her family, friends, colleagues, and all who came in contact with her. She leaves a legacy of love, faith and kindness in the countless lives she touched.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Mom's angels: Carvie, Jean, Michelle, Betty and Sue, who cared for her with love and patience for the last 3 years.

A celebration of life service will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 3602 Hawthorne Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222, on March 22, 2025. Visitation will take place from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., followed by the service and reception at 11:00 a.m. Nancy will be honored by the Central Virginia Nurses Honor Guard during the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the VCU School of Nursing Annual Fund or the Central Virginia Nurses Honor Guard. Gifts to VCU can be made online at support.vcu.edu/nursing or by check payable to "MCV Foundation - VCU School of Nursing," with "VCU School of Nursing Annual Fund" noted in the memo line. Checks may be mailed to VCU Development and Alumni Relations, 111 N. 4th Street, Box 843042, Richmond, VA 23284-3042. Contributions to the Central Virginia Nurses Honor Guard may be sent c/o Karen Shockley, 13974 Stanley Park Drive, Ashland, VA 23005.

Nancy's legacy lives on through her family and the many nurses she mentored throughout her distinguished career.