Nancy Ford Mason

Nancy Ford Mason, affectionately known as “Aunt Nancy” to most of the family, received her ultimate and perfect reward as she peacefully transitioned to be with her heavenly father on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the age of 98 years young.

Nancy was born on March 24, 1926, to the late Robert “Duncan” and Florence Ford of Dendron, Virginia. She was the eldest daughter of four siblings.

Nancy attended Booker T. Washington High School and was a graduate of Henrietta School of Cosmetology in Los Angeles, California.

She graduated with her Licensed Practical Nursing degree from Louis Obici School of Practical Nursing in Suffolk, Virginia, and began her career at Naval Regional Medical Center, Portsmouth.

She lovingly and faithfully served as a devoted pediatric nurse, dedicating her life to caring for countless children for over 30 years. Nancy brought so much comfort and joy to countless military families during their most vulnerable moments and was a cherished colleague. Her gentle touch and ability to connect with children of all ages left a lasting impact on everyone and is evident with the children, now adults, of her own family.

Nancy was a former member of Third Baptist Church, Portsmouth, Virginia, under the leadership of Pastor Joe B. Fleming, Sr., and served on several organizations while there. After the passing of her husband, James “Jeep” Mason, she relocated to Norfolk, VA, and attended St. Mark U.C.C., the family church of the Ford Family.

Nancy was a member of  Mount Hermon Chapter No. 19, Order of the Eastern Star P. H. A., and was a past Matron from July 1997- June 1998.

Nancy was known for her classy, sophisticated, elegant style, which she confidently and unassumingly displayed in her home and attire. We looked forward to visiting her beautiful home for dinners, cookouts, and sleepovers. It was a fascinating experience taking in all the souvenirs, Knick knacks, and collection of beautiful and “interesting” things she accumulated and displayed throughout her home. We admired her flashy taste in clothing, whether she was attending an elegant affair or a family cookout… Nancy was coming with the bling long before we even knew “bling” would be a thing! You saw her coming before you heard her, and we were there for it all.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents, Robert “Duncan” and Florence Ford. Husband, James “Jeep” Mason. Siblings Robert Ford (Mary Jane) and Doris Brown (Matthew). 

She leaves to cherish her memories, her loving youngest sister, Ruth L. Upshur, and a host of nieces and nephews. Nancy was blessed to have an extended family, Dr. M. Dailey Smith of Atlanta, GA. They adopted her into their family while she was a nanny to their two children, whom she loved dearly and often spoke of with joy in her eyes and heart. We are forever grateful for the love shown to our beloved throughout the years. We will never forget your acts of kindness.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank the caring staff at Chesapeake Health and Rehabilitation Center particularly her care team, Monae Parker, Ashley Dukes, and Miss Dawn. Aunt Nancy was a handful at times, playful, funny, stern, sweet, and often unpredictable. You all embraced her unique personality and loved her to the end.