Nancy Henderson Lobbregt

A loving mom and "Grandnan," Nancy Lobbregt, age 92. of Altavista, Virginia, died Sunday, November 19, 2023. She was born in Scarbro, West Virginia in 1931 to Elder ("Doc") and Bye Anna (nee Wilburn) Henderson. Growing up, she loved watching her father leading the choir and her mother teaching Sunday School lessons to the babies at their church. Nancy graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in Sociology and worked subsequently as a social worker in Detroit. She soon moved back to West Virginia and began a second career as a teacher. In 1959 she moved to Altavista taking a position teaching 7th grade Social Studies at Altavista (Elementary at the time). For the next 28 years she taught nearly all grade levels, finishing her career as the Reading Specialist at Altavista Middle/High School. During this period, she attained a Master's Degree in Reading from (then) Lynchburg College. Nancy was married to Tice C Lobbregt, Jr in 1966 and they remained happily married for 40 years before he preceded her in death. They loved to travel and took an annual trip to Maine, often joking that Nancy could eat lobster for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on these trips. Nancy is survived by two daughters: Rebecca (Ken) Weaver and Jan (John) Schranz. The daughters have fond memories of their mother, foremost being trips to their grandparents in West Virginia, singing old gospel songs and comic 40's songs at the top of their lungs. As they crossed the West Virginia State line they always sang the fight song of West Virgina University with their mother. Nancy loved teaching, knitting, and painting, but her favorite role was that of grandparent. She treasured her time with her 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren who knew her as "Grandnan" "GGnan". Nancy's love of life will live on in Jason (Aaron) Schranz. Anna (Dane) Holihan, Kenneth Weaver, Jr, Cati (Tony) Stedman, Lisa Schranz, Nancy (Oby) Borland, and Torie Schranz, who fondly remember her laughter and playing jokes on them and with them. Nancy had many friends in Altavista and were practically inseparable throughout their lives, from working at First Baptist to running the gift shop at Avoca Museum, etc. An active member of First Baptist Church of Altavista, she devoted her time and energy to teaching Sunday School, leading other Bible Studies, helping with missions through Women's Circle Groups and serving as a Deacon. She will be remembered for her willingness to help others and opening her home for Women's Circle, especially the annual luncheon of the group of retired teachers that were her colleagues when she began her career. We, her family and friends will miss the model parent, grandparent, aunt, and mentor she was to us every day. She will live on in our memory. There will be a Memorial Service on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 2 o'clock at First Baptist Church of Altavista. In keeping with Nancy's desire in lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made to First Baptist Church of Altavista, 1001 Bedford Ave., Altavista, VA 24517 or the Avoca Museum & Historical Society, 1514 Main St., Altavista, VA 24517.

Nancy Henderson Lobbregt

September 16, 1931 - November 19, 2023