Rocky Mount -

Nancy Ward Williams Gurganus passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at the age of 96. She was the daughter of W.D. "Moon" Williams and Elsie Alford Williams. She was an only child and had no children.

For many years, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Rocky Mount. She served for 25 years as the director of Sunday school and taught the Intermediate Girls Sunday school class. She also served as Training Union Director and leader of a Woman's Circle Group at First Baptist. After marrying Gene Gurganus, she joined Falls Road Baptist Church, now Crossroads Baptist Church where she was an active member until her death.

Nancy worked in the hearing aide business for 45 years and was the owner of Sunotone of Rocky Mount, helping those who were hard of hearing. She was a charter member of the American Business Women's Association (ABWA) and was an active member of Altrusa. Nancy was known to many as the "turtle lady" because of her love for turtles. She cared for many turtles living in her backyard, some for over 40 years.

She was preceded in death by husbands, Weldon Lancaster, John Harrison and Gene Gurganus.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at Forest Hill Cemetery, Nashville, NC. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

"A very special thank you to my husband, John Harrison's niece, Becky Harrison Wilford - I called her my "niece". She and her family made my last years much happier."