Nancy Lee Gould, 72, of Mexico, passed away Sunday, August 20, 2023, at her home in Mexico, Missouri. Visitation will be Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Pickering Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetary.

Nancy was born on May 2, 1951, in Mexico, Missouri. She was the daughter of Clarence "Pork Chop" and Elizabeth Ann (Wilkerson) Gould. Nancy attended Garfield School and was part of the graduating Class of 1969 of Mexico High School. Later, Nancy enrolled in evening sewing classes with her sister, Peggy, through the Mexico Davis Hart Vocational Technical School.

Nancy was a faithful member of St. Paul C. M. E. Church. Throughout the years, Nancy served as Recording Stewart, pianist, choir member, and local Lay Leader. In addition, she taught Bible Study, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School. Nancy was very active in the Kansas-Missouri Third Episcopal District of the C.M.E. Church. She attended Annual Conference where she served for many years as the Lay Secretary, as well as the conference secretary.

Nancy enjoyed participating in Mexico Community choirs. Because of her community involvement, the Mexico Area NAACP Chapter awarded her the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award.

Nancy loved to help people so she chose a customer-focused career. She worked for Commerce Bank. After 44 years of service, she retired from Commerce Bank in 2013. Proudly, Nancy told friends and family she started her banking career as a high school COE student. Additionally, she worked part-time at Brookstone for 32 years. In recent years, she worked at Job Finders and H&R Block.

Nancy found that church and her family brought her the most joy. She was remembered most as fiercely defending her loved ones. Her loved ones fondly remember her as being spunky and strong-minded.

Survivors include one sister, Rachel Owens, of Mexico; nieces: DeAnn Gould and Philisha Sadberry of Overland Park, Kansas; Andrea Owens and family, of Mexico; Velma Harvey, of Columbia, Missouri; Ndidi Onukogu, of St. Louis, Missouri; Joy Onukogu and family, of Virginia; nephews: Gordon Onukogu, of St. Louis, Missouri and Keith Caldwell, of Kansas City, Missouri.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Peggy and Sandra Gould, and Mary Onukogu.

The family suggests memorials be made to St. Paul CME Church. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.