Nancy Jane Millar Lewis, 94, departed this life on March 13, 2017. She was born February 26, 1923, the daughter of Edwin Vause Millar and Volunta Kump Millar. She was a graduate of Shepherd College (University) and taught elementary school for many years in Frederick County, Virginia.
Following her retirement from teaching, Nancy set out to travel the world with her dear cousin, Katherine Horner. Sharing an interest in Ancient History and other cultures, they visited many countries together and in the process managed to visit all seven continents, including Antarctica. In addition to her worldly interests, Nancy treasured her connection to her ancestry. She proudly referenced her family as of “pioneer stock”. She and her two sisters, Julia and Margaret, researched them extensively which led to Nancy ‘s involvement in many historical societies. She enjoyed memberships in the French Huguenot Society, Colonial Dames of America, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Additionally, she enjoyed sharing these historical interests in her work as a docent at Abram’s Delight in Winchester, Virginia.
Nancy maintained her youthful spirit well into her golden years, camping and swimming on yearly vacations with her daughter Peggy and her son David and their families. When at home, Nancy devoured many books with remarkable speed and recall. When not reading, she could be found at her sewing machine creating quilts and clothes for her children and grandchildren.
At the end of his involvement in WWII, Nancy married John Hyde Lewis, Jr., on June 7, 1945. They welcomed, six children: Sharon Ferree Eller of Gerrardstown, WV; Margaret (Peggy) Ellen Hess (John) of Winchester, Rebecca Ann Lewis of Charlottesville, VA; David Millar Lewis (Sheryl) of Stephens City, VA; Jennifer Lynn Daniels of Winchester, VA; and Susan Katherine Lohr (Russell) of Charlottesville, VA, six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Julia Ellis and Margaret Hammer; her husband John; one great grandson, Seth Snawder; and her aformentioned cousin Katherine Horner with whom she traveled.
Visitation will be held at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 18, at 11:00 at the Opequon Presbyterian Church with David Witt officiating. Following the service there will be a reception at the church for all attendees. Private interment will take place in the Millar family plot at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church in Glebe, WV.
Memorial donations may be made to an animal shelter of your choosing or the Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601.