Nancy Lou Skinner

Nancy Lou Skinner, 68, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away on July 19, 2018 from stroke complications. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held in her honor on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at 2:00 PM in the Southlawn Chapel of Moore Funeral Homes, 9350 East 51st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Nancy was born January 10, 1950 in Fort Worth, Texas to William and Louise Skinner. Her sister, Shirley Ann, arrived three years later and the family began their journey that would involve several relocations and school moves. Nancy attended Patrick Henry Elementary School in Tulsa, before moving to Oklahoma City for Junior High. She attended school in the Putnam City School District and graduated in 1968 from Putnam City High School. Following graduation, Nancy began her college career at Central State University, now UCO. She earned a degree in Elementary Education and began her career teaching elementary art in Stilwell, Oklahoma. While teaching, she completed her Masters Degree in Special Education. Nancy spent the remainder of her career working with her "very special students". Her caring heart and genuine concern for her pupils aided in their learning and development of self-esteem. She taught in Norman, Sapulpa, California and Jenks, retiring after 31 years of service. Nancy enjoyed the outdoors and nature. She entertained many visitors during summer and winter breaks at her mountain cabin in Colorado. She purchased her "happy place", a retirement home on Grand Lake. There she enjoyed her love of the water, both boating and fishing, and "chillin" with her wonderful neighbors and hosting friends. It gave her a great place to allow her beloved dog, Roxie, to run the "hood". It was her special place. Nancy and her family were long-time members of Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. She grew up singing in the youth choir and attending many activities. She considered this her church home. Nancy was a remarkable person to all who were privileged to call her friend. She was blessed with a kind and caring personality that enabled her to easily make friends with everyone she met along her life's journey. She had a unique and fun loving sense of humor and gusto for living that made her the "life of the party". She was creative, always ready to lead or join in the fun, whether at school functions or gatherings with her friends. She had a special love of music and was an avid concert goer. She loved hearing her talented friends play their music. Another favorite pastime was cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners! Traveling brought her great experiences. The girls saw many sights with their parents as they crisscrossed the country visiting relatives and friends. Nancy and Shirley continued their adventures traveling to Florida and California with San Diego being a favorite of both. They included their dynamic canine duo of Roxie and Theo on a recent trip to the Biltmore in Ashville, NC. They loved the mountains, seashores and all in between. Beginning in 1983, she and her "Sappas", college friends, traveled to different spots around the country on their "girls trips". Nancy missed only one of the 35 trips because she was living in California! Her "Fab Five" group of special ladies made yearly trips to Grand Lake and celebrated birthdays and many special occasions together. Nancy was always up for a party and enjoyed entertaining. She was talented in art, design, decorating, and had a gift for making others feel special. Nancy was "Aunt Nancy" and a surrogate mother to her friend's children. This next generation loved her and enjoyed her company - always the fun one! She was their gift, too. Nancy's greatest joys in life were her family and friends. Her amazing spirit, gift of love, friendship, and fun made her treasured by everyone. The joy she found in life was an example for all. Her passing leaves an enormous hole in her circle of family and friends. All of our lives have been enriched by knowing her. She was one of a kind - an amazing lady. A quote from Rosetti says it best, "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die". Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; and numerous loved ones; she is survived by her sister, Shirley, of Tulsa; her devoted companion, Roxie, and a wide circle of friends.

Nancy Lou Skinner

January 10, 1950 - July 19, 2018