Nancy Ann Bellville Graening's Obituary
Life Legacy
PERRY-Looking forward to it, Nancy Ann Bellville Graening joined her heavenly Father at 9:15 p.m. on January 8, 2017, at the age of 77. Present with her were her children and loving, devoted husband of 60.5 years. A service to celebrate the life of Nancy Graening will be Thursday, January 12, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at Perry United Methodist Church. The family will visit with friends in the Fellowship Hall at 1:00 p.m. preceding the service. There will be no graveside service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to THE METHODIST HOME, Macon Campus, 304 Pierce Avenue; P.O. Box 2525, Macon, GA 31203-2525; TheMethodistHome.org or the music program of FORT VALLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 301 W. Church Street, Fort Valley, GA 31030; 478-825-2762 or the music program of PERRY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 1002 Carroll Street; P.O. Box 73, Perry, GA 31069; perryumc.org. A youngster full of life and a “do what it takes” and “do it with style” perspective throughout her life, Nancy was born on September 25, 1939, in Evansville, Indiana to Clarence “Ted” and Hazel Bellville. Music was one of the largest parts of Nancy’s life. With more than 40 years as a pianist/organist, her talent was used for the glory of God at the Fort Valley Presbyterian church, the Fort Valley, Perry, and Vienna United Methodist churches. Nancy and Ed raised 4 children, and they also served as the “hands and feet” of Christ by foster parenting more than 60 children through both the Illinois and Georgia Departments of Family & Children Services. After moving from Illinois to Fort Valley in 1974, Nancy opened and operated “Noah’s Ark" Christian bookstore and Hallmark card shop from 1975-1982. Other employment included Camellia & Main, Judd Publishing, the Fort Valley Leader Tribune, Citizens Bank, Bank of Fort Valley, Fort Valley UMC, and Wesleyan Music Department.Nancy had a passion for antiques which started with family heirlooms passed down to her. The past 15 years she enjoyed shopping for antiques, researching their history, and having them restored. Nancy entered more than 230 pieces over the last 5 years into the Georgia National Fair Antique Competition. Nancy is preceded in death by her father and mother, Clarence “Ted” Elmer and Hazel Kahler Bellville; her sister, Peggy Holland; and her brother-in-law “Doc” Holland, all of Evansville, Indiana. Nancy is survived by her husband, Edward Thomas Graening of Perry. Her surviving immediate andextended family members are son, Gregg (Debbie) Graening of Louisville, KY; son, Glen (Lisa) Graening of Orlando, FL; daughter, Gayle Graening of Nashville, TN; daughter, Gennifer (Alan) Gamble of Mt. Pleasant, TX. Grandchildren who will carry her loving memory with them are Kati (Mike) Ellis, Amy (Ben) Richardson, Gessica Gamble, Luke Gamble, Burton Wills and Emilee Wills. Great-grandchildren include Clark Ellis, Hazel Ellis, Sean Richardson, and Brandi Terrence; great-great-grandchild is Chase LaMaster. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Pamela (Don) Creek and Carolyn Patton. Surviving nieces and nephew include Jackie (Keith) Simpson, Holly (Rick) Pearson, Todd (Ellen) Holland, Chanel (Josh) Elmer, and Angela (Joel) Russell. Great-nieces and -nephews include Heather, Logan, Jacob, Jordan, McKayla, Kelsie and Aaron.Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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