Nancy Mitchem

Nancy Glendenning Mitchem, 93, of Cary, NC, went home to be with her personal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 9, 2022. Faith, family and friends were the most important part of her life and she is remembered for being selfless, loyal, quick witted, fun-loving and a faithful “prayer warrior.”

Born in Boston in 1929, Nancy grew up in Cranford, N.J. She graduated from Cranford High School in 1947 and, thereafter, commuted daily for seven years into New York City’s “Garment District” to work as an executive secretary. She also served her country for several years as a Navy reservist in the “Waves.”

In 1955, Nancy married the love of her life, Foster Mitchem, a decorated WWII veteran with a new dental practice in Kenilworth, NJ. Together, they raised two daughters (Jill and Laurie) in Cranford, NJ, while faithfully supporting the ministry of Evangel Baptist Church.

Nancy regularly taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, helped decorate the church and was quick to serve wherever needed. She also assisted on occasion in her husband’s growing dental practice. But no matter her schedule, Nancy made it a priority to read God’s word daily and to pray.

In 2008, Nancy and Foster moved to Raleigh to be near family. They became members and served at The Shepherd’s Church (formerly Colonial Baptist Church) until precluded by health issues. After 64 happy years together, Foster went to be with the Lord in February of 2020.

Nancy is survived by daughters Jill Rusche and Laurie Beauchamp (Ed). She leaves behind four grandchildren, Rebecca Perez (Jason), Jeremy Beauchamp (Sheri), Lindsay Creech (Matthew), and Ashley Beauchamp. She also leaves behind great grandson, Owen Perez, and great granddaughters, Carly Perez and Abigail Beauchamp. Also surviving her are nieces Priscilla Ginolfi, Alison Martin, Leslie Van Newkirk, Amy Sanderson and nephews Mark Haviland, Tim Haviland and Chuck Lauer. In addition to her husband, Nancy was preceded in death by sisters Constance Haviland and Priscilla Fisher and by nephews Scott Haviland and John Lauer.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Monday, November 14, 2022 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary.

A private graveside service will be held on Tuesday.

Contributions may be made to “Joni and Friends North Carolina,” 616 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd #A, Matthews, NC 28105, or online at www.joniandfriends.org/north-carolina.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BrownWynneCary.com for the Mitchem family.