Nancy Joyce (Cavaness) Gearhart

Nancy Joyce Gearhart, age 79, of Elco, formerly of Alto Pass, went to be with her heavenly Father on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. She was born July 3, 1944, in Cobden to Charles Robert and Gladys Mae (Hickam) Cavaness. She married Robert Wayne Gearhart on July 10, 1962, in Alto Pass. He preceded her in death on October 10, 2019.

Nancy was a compassionate and caring person. She always made sure everyone felt welcome. She never knew a stranger and could talk with anyone. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, horseback riding, and playing Trivial Pursuit. She enjoyed taking her grandchildren to the fair (yes, all of them) and was always cracking a joke. As a skilled nurse, she spent her working life as an RN in long-term care. Taking care of the geriatric population was her calling. Nancy understood the importance of family and caring for our elders.

Nancy is survived by her mother, Gladys (Cavaness) Smithey of DuQuoin; daughters: Vivian (John) Marks of Alto Pass, Ronnie Whiteside of Jonesboro, Tricia Gearhart of Alto Pass, and Nancy (Gary) Dillow of Mazon; sons: Robert Jr. (Angela) Gearhart of Cobden and Roy Gearhart of Alto Pass; nineteen grandchildren: Susan Ashley, JJ, Justin, Sierra, Caitie, Caycee, Holly, Bo, Annie, Cody, Sean, Charlie, Elizabeth, Riley, Kelsey, Brandi, Autumn, Samantha Paige, and Sarah; thirty- two great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sisters: Charlotte Browder, Janet Braun, and Donna (Terry) Jenkins; brother, Robert (Carol) Cavaness; sisters-in-law, Jeanne Meade of Gorham and Nancy (Curt) Conder of Murphysboro; brothers-in-law, Claude Stearns of Murphysboro, Mike McGrath of Kissimmee FL, Lester Beisner of Anna, and Mark (Beth) Gearhart of Ava; numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father; husband; son, Charles Leslie; sisters-in-law: Judy Meade, Jane (Forrest Ray) Meadows, Joyce Stearns, Sharon Gearhart, Millie McGrath; brothers-in-law: Lindell (Evelyn) Wright, Austin (Mary) Wright, Donnie (Betty) Wright, Jack (Carolyn) Gearhart, and Marvin Meade; a son-in-law: Randy Davis, and a grandson-in-law: Jeremy Hodges.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 20, 2024, at the Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro with Rev. Dr. Ed Falgout officiating. Interment will follow in the Alto Pass Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at the Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Memorial contributions may be made to the family of Nancy Gearhart. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.