Nancy Jones Medford

Nancy Jones Medford, "Grannie", was a lifelong resident of Waynesville.  Born May 25,1929, died peacefully January 27,2024

Nancy embodied the joyous spirit of a large loving family and a circle of caring friends.   Her favorite flower was the sunflower, symbol of lasting happiness.  Her optimism was a guide to a magnificent garden every year.  This garden fed all the family and canned foods for all year.

Nancy’s love of quilts reinforced her piecing together a strong loving family.  Boyd Medford was her high school sweetheart and lifelong partner, married 68 years.  They built their house on Calhoun Road and raised four children.  They stitched together a family with many celebrations that included 27 immediate family members and an extended group of close friends.

Camping and horseback riding were a major pastime.  Frequent trips to Cataloochee and Black Camp Gap meant good food, laughter, and dancing.  They camped and traveled with the "Magic Circle", five couples always ready for fun.  Nancy treasured weekly lunch with her "ladies".

Nancy was an enthusiastic collector.  She shopped local flea markets and traveled to Virginia and Liberty, NC for her "picking".  She had a sharp eye for treasures.  Most were admired and thoughtfully chosen as gifts for her many children.

She is predeceased by her husband, Boyd Medford; son, John Medford; and son-in-law, Keith Wyatt.

She is survived by children, Kathy Wyatt, Jane Nicholson (Nick), Bo Medford (Angie); daughter-in-law, Kathryn Medford Francis; her grandchildren, Caroline Parrish (Mike), Julie Riva (Tony), Blake Nicholson (Jessica), Zack Nicholson (Brookely), Alex, Nancy and John Medford and Lucy and Sara Medford; great-grandchildren, Will Riva, Paxton Nicholson and Remi and Nash Nicholson; niece and nephew, Twila and Robbie Medford; and her lifelong friend, Nink Swift.

A private family burial service will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024 followed by a Celebration of Life from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Wells Events & Reception Center in Waynesville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Healing NET Foundation (thehealingnet.org), ALS Association (als.org) or First United Methodist Church - Preschool Scholarship Fund, PO Box 838, Waynesville, NC 28786.

The care of Mrs. Medford has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.