Nancy Woodward

Nancy Lee Potts Woodward was born on October 8th, 1939, in Columbus, Ohio and passed away the morning of November 18th, 2024. She was 85. 

Elaine Murry says this about Nancy, “My sister Nancy was very shy growing up. She worked very hard supporting her three children. She loved her animals and was never without friends. I will surely miss you Nancy, I love you always my sister.” 

This sums up Nancy beautifully, although by the time I met her, I would say she never met a stranger. For many of us in our neighborhood, she was the 1st person we met as we were unpacking moving boxes. With her dog Nicky at her side, she walked up, introduced herself and then proceeded to tell us all about the neighborhood, herself, and Mansfield. She really did know everyone in the neighborhood and their kids. 

She was probably one of the most helpful people I’ve ever met. She kept our neighborhood nice by bringing trash cans up from the curb on trash day, pick up any blowing trash, and would even sweep the leaves out of the gutter. If you were going to be out of town, whether for the weekend or on vacation, she would keep an eye on your house, pick up your mail, water your plants, and take care of your pets. If there was a way to help you, Nancy would offer. If you or anyone in your house was sick, she was ready to run over with Gatorade, ginger ale, and chicken soup, she wanted to help, anyway she could. I picture her walking around heaven, introducing herself to everyone and seeing what she can do to help them. 

Nancy was married to John Woodward, who was in the US Navy, for over 40 years and she was proud to be a Navy wife. When the Navy transferred him to San Diego, she was also able to transfer her job with Bank of America to San Diego. When her husband retired from the Navy and his new job was moving them to Virginia, Nancy retired from Bank of America after 20 years and chose to focus on her home and husband. After several years in Virginia, John’s job transferred him to Texas, where they moved to Mansfield and Nancy walking her dog became a familiar and beloved sight in our neighborhood. 

We want to thank Echelon Place Assisted Living and AlevCare Hospice. Their love, care and understanding of Nancy greatly contributed to her quality of life and we cannot say enough about how wonderful everyone living and working with Nancy was to her. 

Nancy is preceded in death by her husband John Woodward, her dad Elmer Maurer, her mother Elsie Grassier, her father Jack Potts, and her sister Carol Ann. 

She’s survived by her three children; Tammy Campbell of Paso Robles, CA, Debbie Motta of Carson, CA, Brad (Caroline) Campbell of Paso Robles, CA, and one granddaughter Krista of FL. She is also survived by her sister Elaine (Larry) Murry of Ocklawaha, FL, nieces Colleen (Timmy) McGinnis of FL, Ronda (Tom) Stevens of OH, and nephew Patrick (Debbie) McGinnis of FL. She is also survived by her cousin Maxine Lane of OH. 

Nancy has left her mark and love on everyone she’s ever met, and our neighborhood will never be the same. Because Nancy is going home, I can’t help but say to her what she frequently said to me when I was going home, across the street, after visiting with her. “Watch for those 9 ft snowdrifts Nancy.”

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in honor of Nancy to AlevCare Hospice, 315  South Main Street, Mansfield, TX 76063.