Nancy (Waddell) Burgiss

Nancy Kathryn Waddell Burgiss, 86, of Laurel Springs, NC passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at Vienna Village Assisted Living in Pffaftown, NC. Nancy was born on December 12, 1936 in Sparta, NC to Wayne Brantley and Octavia Reeves Waddell.

Nancy graduated from Sparta High School in 1954 and Wake Forest University in 1958, where she received her degree in English. She married Tom Burgiss of Sparta on June 19, 1958 and began her teaching career soon thereafter. While raising her family, Nancy taught middle and high school English in the Elkin City Schools, Alexander County Schools, and in the Alleghany County School system when she and Tom returned to their home county to the family farm in Laurel Springs in June 1969.

Nancy was an active member of Sparta First Baptist Church for years, and later was a member of Laurel Springs Baptist Church. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional society for women educators.

While managing the household and three sons, she obtained her Master’s degree from Appalachian State University whereupon she transitioned to teaching reading at Sparta Elementary and Alleghany High School. After Nancy retired from teaching, she and Tom ran the Burgiss Farm Bed and Breakfast in the family farmhouse for nearly 20 years, as well as the Burgiss Dance Barn, a site of wholesome family entertainment with live music and dancing for over a decade.

Nancy was one of the sweetest, happiest, most gentle, poised, and kind individuals you would ever meet. She was always content, wearing a big smile, and gracious even as dementia progressed in her later years. She was a true Southern lady, a delightful hostess, and she provided constant loving unwavering support and encouragement to her husband. Nancy enjoyed cooking and was known for rarely cooking the same recipe twice. She often tried new recipes from Southern Living magazine and various cookbooks. She passionately enjoyed reading, watching Wake Forest football and basketball, walking (Silver Striders) and gardening (Dirty Fingers Garden Club). And, in spite of her predilection for getting lost, she absolutely loved to travel – anywhere! Some of her favorite trips were cruises to the Caribbean and France, ski trips and other excursions taken to Canada, Spain, Austria, Italy, and Greece. She was always glad to be along for the ride.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by Tom, her husband of 63 years. She is survived by her 3 sons, Tim (Debbie) of Statesville, NC, Brant (Amy) of Laurel Springs, NC, and John (Tiffany) of Lewisville, NC and 6 grandchildren who knew her as “Nan”, Drew (Wilson) Yang of Toronto, Canada, Ali (Tyler) Lewis of Winston-Salem, NC, Riley Burgiss of Lewisville, NC, Ashley Burgiss of Arlington, TX, Mary Beth Burgiss of Laurel Springs, NC and Maddie Burgiss of Lewisville, NC, and 4 great grandsons, Nash Lewis, Eben Yang, and twins Teague and Tru Lewis. Also surviving is her brother, Jerry Waddell of Sparta, and several nieces, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins, all of whom she dearly loved and cherished.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the Alleghany Educational Foundation or a charity of the donor’s choice. Checks can be mailed to the Alleghany Educational Foundation, PO Box 33, Sparta, NC 28675.

There will be a visitation and service on Saturday, February 11 at the Thomas Family Funeral Service in Sparta, NC, with Pastor Mike Morris officiating. The visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, with a service from 11:00-12:00 PM, followed immediately by a brief graveside service at Sparta Cemetery.

The family respectfully asks for no food at their respective residences. The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Living Waters of Sparta, the staff at Vienna Village as they lovingly attended to Nancy in these last few years, as well as the staff of Trellis Hospice for their excellent care.

Thomas Family Funeral Service is honored to be serving the Burgiss Family. If you wish, online tributes may be extended to the family at www.thomasfamilyfs.com.

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