Nancy Jeanne Baker McGowan, age 57, of Filly Run, Chesapeake, VA died Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. Born in the Panama Canal Zone on November 4, 1963 to Selma Ann Markham Baker and the late Harvey Wayne Baker, she was the wife of Laurence McGowan for thirty-four years. Nancy was a caretaker by nature who loved her family and friends and was a strong force, even in her extended family’s lives. She had a way of drawing people to her. Despite numerous challenges in her life, including being a long-term cancer survivor, she never gave up or stopped for a moment being a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed.
In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by a son, Laurence J. McGowan, Jr. (Elizabeth) of Springer, OK; two daughters, Lauren McGowan (Paul) and Nicole Champion (Garrett), all of Chesapeake, VA; two brothers, Michael Baker (Laurie) of GA and Stephen Baker of Charleston, SC; her grandchildren, Courtney, William, Katelynn, Kristian, Aaliyah, Winter and Kingston; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a host of other loving family and friends. She was predeceased by a brother, Kenneth Baker, and a grandchild, Dakotah.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Twiford Memorial Chapel with Minister Kevin Reiver officiating. The family will receive visitors following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 477 Viking Dr., Ste 130, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. Twiford Funeral Home, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is serving the McGowan family. Online memorial condolences may be sent to the family at www.TwifordFH.com.
Contact Information:
Twiford Funeral Home (Elizabeth City)
405 East Church Street,
Fax: 252-335-4329
Email: J.J.Twiford@TwifordFH.com
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Sarah Betz
Nancy was a pure blessing to all, she will be missed. Rest In Peace.
christine brown
Im very sorry for the loss of mom and wife and daughter and sister and a mimi. My prayers are with each and everyone of you . Love you guys. She was a remarkable woman. I miss her very much. She will be missed highly . Love you guys
Christine and Jolene Brown
Jan pitts
What a blessing in my life to have known Nancy. May God hold her family close during this time and grant them peace.
David Nelson
Nancy was an amazing woman full of love and strength. I am honored to have known her.
Cassandra Dionne
One of the greatest women I’ve ever known with the biggest heart. She will be missed dearly, and held in all of our hearts. Love you all so much!
Sarah Smith
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother and mother in law
My sincere condolence to you both
Hugs and prayers ❤
Sarah Susie Miller-Smith
Keith and Julia Sturdahl
We are so sorry for the loss of your loved with. We pray for your family and send our love.
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Sturdahl and family.
Bobbi Veon White
Selma and Family-
I am so sorry for your loss. No parent should ever have to face the loss of their child. My Grandma and Granddaddy (Mitt and Noah Seymore) were never the same after losing Uncle Mac, but I think it made them love Kimmey and I even more deeply. You have so many wonderful memories of Nancy. Keep those beautiful memories close to your heart. They will sustain you through the difficult days and nights ahead. Please know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Bobbi Veon White
Mary sills
Ive known Nancy scence child hood. I’m deeply sad of her loss. She was truly an amazing person. She was so blessed. And god truly god another angel. Rest in peace . till we meet again. Mary sills
Mary, Matt , Shannon & Meaghan Mulkern
Larry & family , what a beautiful life Nancy lived . She touched so many with so much love , kindness and strength. May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Please accept my sincere condolences. Though she is not next to us on earth know she is in heaven smiling down on us and we will share our memories of beautiful Nancy that live on forever. Amen
Richard Kresse
Larry and Sr. and family,
I will never forget the impact that Nancy had on my life even though I never got to personally meet her. She was a joy to talk to and won’t be forgotten. My prayers are with all the family, may the Lord give you comfort.
-Richard Kresse (Nicoles Brother)
Tamina Repp
Dan andI are forever grateful to have met the McGowan Family in Fort Dix, New Jersey. Nancy was a true inspiration and the bravest soul we know. Thanks for the great memories and laughs. Our continuous prayers to the family as they grieve. Big hugs to Larry and the children, grandchildren, and Nancy’s Mama. I know she is in heaven holding Dakotah. Smiling and sending butterflies to her loved ones to let them know she is still here in spirit. RIP sweet friend
Dan and Tamina Repp
Veronica Waller
My heart is bleeding so deeply for you all. I am here for you all. I will pray for you all constantly and consistently.
I love you all.
Lynn Massalon Johnson
Larry, Mema and family, I have such wonderful memories of our time together as a family when we were young! Nancy was always a light of hope in any situation because she was Strong, undefeated, bold, smart, good and a leader and mentor to many! She always saw the positive in any situation and lived her life for others ! She was the most selfless person I’ve ever know! I’m still heartbroken that her time was called to go home. I know for a fact that she will be in charge of all the Angles and much more up there! I know we didn’t talk much or see each other but she always had a piece of
My hear from back in the 80’s! Loved her and all of you! TW and our entire family are praying for you all during this time! We love you all! Lynn Massalon Johnson, David T Massalon, Pat Massalon, Lane Massalon Floyd, TW Baker!!! Fly high Nanny goat!!! We will miss you dearly!!!
David Trask
Larry, so sorry for your loss! I’m praying for you and your family! Nancy was an inspiration to us all!
Eugene
Condolences go out to McGowan family and Nancy is looking down from heaven and she will want ever one to stay strong and look out for each other. Love, Peace and Happiness to McGowan family.
Dennis Cruz
Larry as a fellow brother in arms serving w/ you and then working for you in our second careers I’m truly saddend with your loss. My deepest sympathies and offer prayers from my family to yours. May she Rest In Peace in heaven brother.
Bernie Kenna
Words alone cannot express my heartfelt condolences to you Larry, and the entire Family. I grieve with you, and pray for your comfort during this difficult time.
Jim and Donna Jenkins
We will miss Nancy so much. She was the mayor of our circle and kept everyone updated on important issues. Her smile made everyone around her smile. I will miss her laugh, her smile and her friendship. If ever there was an angel on earth, it was her. Rest in Peace.
Nizme
Larry,
Sorry to hear such sad news. My condolences to you and your family.
Nizme
Tonya McDowell
Larry,
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. I met Nancy once in Walmart and she gave me the most genuine, kind, loving hug. I will always remember the sincere warmth of that hug.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
God bless,
Tonya McDowell
Patty Downs
Larry
So sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing . I remember the good times we had in Charleston, she was a wonderful person, love and prayers to you and the family
Patty Downs
Charleston SC
Roop Ramdon
Larry,
Heartfelt sympathy and condolences to you and your family during this time of grieving. Reading the messages showed how big of an impact she had on everyone she came across. Losing the one you love is so hard, and so I’m praying hard for you and your family—for peace, for comfort. She will be in heaven watching over her family now. May her soul rest in peace.
Roop Ramdon
Don Alkema
Larry,
I was deeply saddened upon hearing of your loss. My sincere condolences to you and your family. You and your family will be in my prayers.
John O'Sullivan
I’m sorry to hear of your family’s loss; we will keep Nancy, and the McGowan family in our prayers. May the memories of a life well lived comfort you in this time of mourning.
David Meiggs
Heartfelt prayers for comfort and peace to all the family for your loss. Thanks for sharing the wonderful tribute above. I so remember that wonderful smile Nancy had. I know she will be remembered well for a long long time.
Joyce Simpson
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this terrible time. Nancy was a rare woman. No one who met her could help but admire her courage and like her immensely. The world will be lonely without her. She was special.
Patricia A Byrne
Dear Larry, Beth and family. My heart goes out to you all. From Beth’s beautiful portrayal of dear Nancy I am so saddened by your loss. I pray for your family and wish you peace and comfort. My condolences. Patty Byrne
Mark Guzzo
Larry,
Susan and my condolences go out to you and your family. I know Nancy will be greatly missed by all who’s lives she touched.
Mark
Peg Mahan
Dear Larry and All,
May you find peace. I know you are going to miss her so much. Nancy was an amazing woman. She will be greatly missed by all. We are so sorry !
Love
Peg and John
Beth McGowan Jolles
We are all so sad, but will think of Nancy’s strength, smile & kindest of hearts and we will smile knowing she is in Heaven. May comfort & peace surround Larry, Selma, Larry,Jr., Lauren & Nicole,& brothers, Stephen & Michael & all of their families.
Nancy’s spirit will live on through all of us and so many others she touched. We are blessed that she joined Joanna in becoming sisters 9&10. We will miss Nancy dearly. -Beth
Hank Pitts
Larry and Family,
Joan and I want to offer our deepest sympathies for your loss. May God bless her and keep her always.
Marc Schweighofer
Larry,
I was deeply saddened to hear of your wife’s passing. Please accept my condolences, and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Antonio R. Jackson
I was truly shocked and saddened to hear of this sudden loss to your family. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Antonio “Tony” Jackson
Suffolk, VA