March 27, 1930 – Dec. 25, 2012

MEADVILLE — Services for Nancy Wentworth Corley, 82, of Meadville, who died Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012, in her hometown of Meadville, will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Meadville United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Cox officiating.

Burial will follow at Midway Cemetery in Meadville under the direction of Franklin Funeral Home in Meadville.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral.

Mrs. Corley was born March 27, 1930, the daughter of “Mr. James” and “Miss Ruby” Wentworth. Nancy was always an excellent student who read “The Iliad” by Homer in the fourth grade and every book in the Meadville High School (now Franklin County High) library before graduation. Her love of the written word continued throughout her life from the classics to mysteries and biographies as well as a passion for history. Her intelligence was legendary. She graduated salutatorian of her class and was chosen Miss Meadville High and Most Popular.

A graduate of Copiah-Lincoln Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi, Nancy was active in sports, drama, band, musical theater and glee club. She was selected as a class favorite. She returned to college as an adult and earned a master’s degree in gerontology.

While at Southern she met and married the love of her life, Jim Corley. She, a charming beauty and he, a dashing and handsome quarterback, were married 22 years until his death. They lived in Meadville, Collins and Jackson and were the proud parents of Buster, Becki and Allycen.

Nancy served communities in Arkansas, Texas and Mississippi over her professional career as a skilled and compassionate health care provider and nursing home administrator. She was recognized by her industry, respected by her colleagues and earned the affection of her staffs for her professionalism and rapport with the residents and their families. It was the most rewarding time of her life, as she honored her beloved father’s creed to service others.

Nancy enjoyed being a member of a number of organizations and clubs. She was a longtime member of Meadville United Methodist Church where she was a Jolly Elder. She belonged to the Newcomers Club of Natchez.

A lover of travel, she went abroad several times and relished the historical significance of her experiences. She worked the New York Times crossword puzzle, read multiple newspapers and followed the local and national political scene daily. An award-winning floral arranger and member of the Natchez Garden Club, she took great pleasure in nature.

Nancy will be missed greatly by her friends who cherished her sharp mind and loyalty; her family who treasured her devotion; her children who were grateful for her unique personality and the gift of her values of moral honor, hard work, tenacity and the pursuit of knowledge, as well as her love.

Mrs. Corley was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Jim Corley.

Survivors include one son, James “Buster” Corley and wife, Leacy, of Dallas; two daughters, Becki Pickett and husband, Richard, of Nashville, Tenn., and Allycen Priest and husband, Joey, of Meadville; six grandchildren, Leah Pickett of Birmingham, Ala., Lauren Schick and husband, Greg, of Nashville, Jana Trout and husband, Dusty, and Jim Priest, all of Meadville, Jordan Priest and wife, Heather, of Brookhaven and Kate Corley of Dallas; eight great-grandchildren, Allie Beth and Beck Trout, Presley, Lyla and Tatum Schick, Ava, Livi and a baby brother (expected in May) Priest; one brother, Harold Wentworth and wife, Mae, of Meadville; one sister, Daisy Sue Cotten of Meadville; and six nieces and nephews, Hal Wentworth, Joann S. Wentworth, Greg Cotten, Bobette Jones and husband, Bart, all of Meadville, Forrest Wentworth and wife, Denise, of Montgomery, Ala., and Emery Corley and wife, Jayne, of St. Louis, Mo.