Nancy Reid Poag Gilreath, 78, passed away peacefully into the arms of her waiting family and risen Lord on Monday, May 3, 2021, in Roanoke, Virginia.
Born on April 14, 1943 as the eldest child of a Presbyterian minister, Nancy Reid graduated from Dreher High School and The University of South Carolina where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. A teacher, hostess, trusted assistant, and true friend, Nancy Reid brought grace and levity to any room and anybody lucky enough to run across her presence. Nancy Reid’s true gift and passion, however, was her fierce love and devotion to the families of her two sons who she followed away from her longtime home, her friends and the famous heat of Columbia, South Carolina to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and ultimately to the mountains of Southwest Virginia. She shined most as our beloved “Nanny” doting unmercifully on her sons, their wives and her four adoring grandchildren.
Predeceased by her parents, Dr. Frederick Vaughn Poag and Billie Ferguson Poag, Nancy Reid also joins her late sister, Billie Craig Poag Walters, and countless friends and family in eternal life.
Nancy Reid is survived by her children, James Robinson Gilreath Jr. (Ashley Roe Gilreath) of Manteo, North Carolina, and Frederick Poag Gilreath (Catherine Roe Gilreath) of Roanoke, Virginia; grandchildren, James Robinson Gilreath III, Dickinson Reid Gilreath, Caroline Caldwell Gilreath and Carder Roe Gilreath; nephew, Dr. Robert Edmund Walters Jr.; and niece, Nancy Reid Walters Byrne.
The family would like to thank Nanny’s special caregivers, Kathy Peters, her nephew, Dr. Rob Walters, and the caring staff at Friendship South in Roanoke, Virginia.
The family will hold a graveside service on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Columbia, South Carolina, and a celebration of life at a later date in Manteo, North Carolina. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers and in celebration of a true fighter who battled and beat addiction, memorials may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous, the American Lung Association or to Roanoke Island Presbyterian Church, Manteo, North Carolina.
Arrangements entrusted to Oakey’s Funeral Service – Roanoke Chapel, Roanoke, Va., (540) 982-2100. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oakeys.com.