Nancy Lucille (Earnest) Wilson was born September 28, 1944, in Booneville, Mississippi to Garfield and Louis Earnest. She moved to Akron, Ohio in her adolescence where she grew up and attended South High School where she was inducted to the Alumni Hall of Fame in 2007.

An intelligent and determined woman, Nancy attended the University of Akron and obtained a degree in Liberal Arts – being the first person in her family to graduate from a 4-year university. Upon graduation, she began her career working for the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services. She started as a caseworker and quickly moved through the ranks to Caseworker Supervisor, then Project Developer and Program Administrator and eventually Director of Human Resources.

Nancy was a dedicated member of the community, serving on a variety of committees and boards including Summit County Children Services, Summit County Board of Development Disabilities, and Westside Council of Block Clubs, among many others. After Nancy retired from the county, she enjoyed spending time with her grandson as well as cooking and baking, known for her famous “Nancy Wilson Cakes.”

Nancy was also an avid fan of crossword puzzles, reading, game shows and watching General Hospital, her favorite show. Nancy was a caring, loving and selfless woman who always looked out for those around her. Whether as a caretaker, mentor, teacher or a listening ear, Nancy was always there.

She is preceded in death by both her parents, Garfield and Louis Earnest; brothers, James and John Earnest; sisters, Bessie Earnest Williams and Darlene Earnest; daughter, Amee Wilson; and ex-husband, John Wilson. She is survived by her daughter, Mexie Wilson; grandson, Jamel Rushing; brother, Clifford Earnest; nieces, Tiffany Cooper, Ebony Hill, Darlene Earnest and Detra Earnest; nephew, James Earnest Jr.; and in-laws, Beverly Earnest, Dorothy Earnest, and Woody Williams, among many other beloved friends and family.

Nancy was an outstanding woman whose memory and impact will live on forever.