Nancy Lee Gould, 72, of Mexico, passed away Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023,
at her home in Mexico. Visitation will be Saturday, Aug.
26, at 10:30 a.m. at Pickering Funeral Home. Funeral services
will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.
Nancy was born on May 2, 1951, in Mexico, Missouri. She was the
daughter of Clarence “Pork Chop” and Elizabeth Ann (Wilkerson) Gould.
Nancy attended Garfield School and was part of the graduating Class of
1969 of Mexico High School. Later, Nancy enrolled in evening sewing
classes with her sister, Peggy, through the Mexico Davis Hart
Vocational Technical School.
Nancy was a faithful member of St. Paul C. M. E. Church. Throughout
the years, Nancy served as Recording Stewart, pianist, choir member,
and local Lay Leader. In addition, she taught Bible Study, Sunday
School, and Vacation Bible School. Nancy was very active in the
Kansas-Missouri Third Episcopal District of the C.M.E. Church. She
attended Annual Conference where she served for many years as the Lay
Secretary, as well as the conference secretary.
Nancy enjoyed participating in Mexico Community choirs. Because of her
community involvement, the Mexico Area NAACP Chapter awarded her the
Martin Luther King, Jr. Award.
Nancy loved to help people so she chose a customer-focused career. She
worked for Commerce Bank. After 44 years of service, she retired from
Commerce Bank in 2013. Proudly, Nancy told friends and family she
started her banking career as a high school COE student. Additionally,
she worked part-time at Brookstone for 32 years. In recent years, she
worked at Job Finders and H&R Block.
Nancy found that church and her family brought her the most joy. She
was remembered most as fiercely defending her loved ones. Her loved
ones fondly remember her as being spunky and strong-minded.
Survivors include one sister, Rachel Owens, of Mexico; nieces: DeAnn
Gould and Philisha Sadberry of Overland Park, Kan. ; Andrea Owens and
family, of Mexico; Velma Harvey, of Columbia; Ndidi Onukogu,
of St. Louis; Joy Onukogu and family, of Virginia; nephews:
Gordon Onukogu, of St. Louis, and Keith Caldwell, of Kansas
City.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Peggy
and Sandra Gould, and Mary Onukogu.
The family suggests memorials be made to St. Paul CME Church. They may
be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO
65265.
Condolences to the family may be given at pickeringfh.com.