Nancy Ruth Beavers Wardlow was born on July 24, 1932, in Kennesaw, Georgia to Willie J. Beavers and Rosa Estella (Stephens) Beavers. She was the fourth of seven children. Nancy lived in Georgia until the age of nine when the family moved north, eventually settling in Cleveland, Ohio. She graduated from Central High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society.

Nancy attended Baldwin Wallace College for a short time before marrying the love of her life, Eddie Wardlow Jr, on June 13, 1953. She left school to raise her three children. While Nancy raised her children, she never gave up on her dream to finish college and become a teacher. After 10 years of hard work and dedication, she graduated from Cleveland State University and began teaching elementary school in Cleveland, Ohio.

Nancy gave her life to Christ at a very young age, and she loved the Lord and served Him with her whole heart. After joining St. Peter’s AME Zion church, Nancy became a member of the Trustees Aides, taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and served as chairperson for Women’s Day. She attended Bible study and led a Bible study in her own home.

Nancy also started the St. Peter’s Community Fun Day where the church distributes clothes and food to those in need, and provides games, prizes, and more for children who attend.

After retiring from teaching, Nancy attended Ashland University where she earned her Master’s degree in Theology. She was an avid gardener, loved baking, sewing, bowling, and having Sunday dinners for her children and grandchildren.

On Thursday, August 6, 2026, Nancy passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her family.

Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 72 years, Eddie, her parents, two dear sisters, Estelle Jackson, and Virginia Sammons, and her dear brother Franklin R. Beavers. She leaves to cherish her memory, her three children, Michael Wardlow (Stephanie), Jennifer, Washington (Caldwell) and Elaine Wardlow-James (Terry), five grandchildren, Mark, Patrice, Matthew, Brandon, and Isaiah, one great grandson, Jayson, two brothers, William G. Beavers (Vera), Samuel R. Beavers (Julia) and her sister, Mary E. Beavers, along with a host of nieces, nephews and cherish friends.