Nancy P. Meadows, dedicated, gifted teacher

Nancy P. Meadows, 85, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully at home Monday, April 11, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born Nov. 15, 1936, in Milford, the daughter of the late Herman R. and Ida (Scott) Phillips.  

Nancy was a lifelong resident of Sussex County. She graduated from Milford High School in 1954 and attended the University of Delaware, where she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education, graduating in 1958.  She held master of education degrees in guidance and counseling, as well as educational leadership, both from the University of Delaware.  From Salisbury State, Nancy later earned her credential in school psychology.  Nancy’s lifelong passion for learning and teaching is seen in her professional, community and civic careers, and was imparted lovingly to her family.

Nancy began her career as a teacher at Rehoboth Elementary School.  She then became an elementary guidance counselor for Cape Henlopen School District.  From there, Nancy served as a guidance counselor at Selbyville Middle School followed by Sussex Central High School.  As a school psychologist, Nancy worked in the Indian River School District, and then the Lake Forest School District before returning to the Cape District.  After retiring with 27 years in public education, Nancy was the proprietor for seven years of her own private educational testing and consulting business.  Her colleagues described Nancy as a caring and friendly professional who was a good listener and well respected.  She cared deeply for the children she worked with and was a supportive advocate for their needs. Through her dedicated career, she touched and enriched the lives of countless families.

Nancy’s passion for helping others was also seen through her volunteer work with many professional organizations, including the Delaware Foster Care Review Board.  An active member of her community, Nancy served on the Rehoboth Beach Planning Commission for six years and as a Rehoboth election judge for many years.  She was also a member of Rehoboth Beach Chamber of Commerce and Rehoboth Beach Historical Society.  Nancy was a longtime member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rehoboth Beach. 

Nancy’s true gift was her ability to teach and nurture. She had a generous, compassionate and loving soul.  A more authentic, sincere and freely loving person would be hard to find.  Whether it was sharing a family vacation to Disney World or Myrtle Beach, a local Rehoboth adventure at Funland, Royal Treat, or home backyard celebration, Nancy’s passion came from giving and bringing joy to those around her.  She loved wintering in Marco Island, Fla., with her beloved husband Calvin, and being a Delaware Blue Hen football season ticket holder.  Simple things like lunch from Fifer’s and Tate’s chocolate chip cookies brought delight to her beautiful blue eyes. Nancy was an extraordinary person; while first and foremost she treasured the time she spent with her precious family, she made family, friends, and even acquaintances feel welcome and special.  She taught us patience, kindness, compassion and generosity.  She gave freely with love and will be missed by all.  

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Meadows; and her cousin, Marsha Scott, who was like a sister to her. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Jones Ohlmacher and her husband Bill of Chevy Chase, Md; her sons, Jeff Jones and his wife Nancy of Los Gatos, Calif., Randy Meadows and his wife Cheryl of Anderson, S.C., and Steve Meadows and his wife Carol of Charlotte, N.C.; her grandchildren, Scott Ohlmacher and his wife Charmaine, Megan Ohlmacher and her husband Jake Jordan, David Jones, Mary Jones, Crystal Meadows, Troy Meadows and his wife Natalie, and Kinzie Meadows and his wife Erin; and her great-grandchildren, Owen, Ella, Sofia, and newly arrived Logan. 

An angel on earth, Nancy will be remembered, cherished, honored, and loved by friends and family alike. Those who were touched by her are forever blessed.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 21, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10:30 a.m.  All who cannot attend in person are invited to join the services via livestream by visiting the following link: parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/10449079/LTWebcast.

Mask wearing is required and social distancing must be observed by all service attendees and participants.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest contributions in Nancy Meadows’ memory to Nemours Children’s Hospital, nemours.org, or Children's Beach House, 1800 Bay Ave., Lewes, DE 19958, cbhinc.org. 

Visit Nancy's Life Memorial webpage and sign the virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.