Nancy Jane Henry Dameron

Nancy Jane was born in Aurora, Illinois July 24, 1926 to the late Ruth Van Vleet and Lionel Henry. She spent her early childhood on her maternal grandparents’ farm in Illinois where she loved playing with the animals and walking to the Big Woods school every day. After the depression, Nancy’s family eventually moved to Richmond, Virginia. She attended Duke University, where she graduated with a BA in psychology. During college, she met the love of her life, Dr. Thomas Barker Dameron, who was there attending Duke Medical School. Following their marriage August 26, 1949, Nancy’s life was filled to the brim as a tirelessly supportive and loving wife, mother of five, community volunteer, and friend to many.

Nancy and Tom’s commitment to the field of orthopaedic surgery brought many years of extensive travel throughout the world; most notably they took their five children to Southern Ethiopia and Tunisia during summer breaks where Dr. Dameron did medical missionary work. Amid her many travel commitments in support of Dr. Dameron’s professional life, she served as president of the Junior League of Raleigh, The Raleigh Fine Arts Society, and the Rex Hospital Guild. Additionally, she was a committed and active member of Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, a longtime member of Bible Study Fellowship, and a docent at the NC Museum of Art. Nancy led fundraising efforts at Ravenscroft School and The Alice Aycock Poe Center. In her fullness of life and heart for service, she set a beautiful example for her five children, whom she loved more than life itself.

She demonstrated this love in countless ways such as being active in their educations, an enthusiastic cheerleader at their sports events, and an amazing listener. She made every special occasion memorable, and her love of celebrating Christmas and birthdays and gathering with family at Pine Knoll Shores was legendary.

A favorite aspect of her busy life was her Friday tennis foursome with whom she continued playing into her 80’s. She also treasured the life-long friendships within her sewing circle, book club, and garden club, along with those shared with Tom as members of the Terpsichorean Club, the Sphinx Club, The Circle Club, and The Carrousel Club.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Thomas Barker Dameron, Jr. and her son Christopher Buxton Williams Dameron; along with her brother, Harold Wesley Henry.

She is survived by her children, Thomas Barker Dameron III (and wife, Pamela Johnston Dameron), Dr. David Henry Dameron of Manhattan Beach, CA, Nancy Dameron Almquist (and husband, Henry Gustav Almquist, Jr.) of Atlanta, GA, and Rebecca Jane Dameron of Bent Mountain, VA. Also surviving are her ten grandchildren; Thomas Barker Dameron, IV (Sarah), William Rodgers Johnston Dameron, Laura Shelby Dameron Dalton (Stewart), David Belser Dameron, Christopher Buxton Williams Dameron, Jr., Jacob McBryde Dameron, Sarah Dalton Dameron, Katherine Dameron Almquist Ryker (Michael), Henry Gustav Almquist, III (Laura), Anna Almquist Branam (Chris); and a great-grandson, Henry Gustav Almquist IV.

The family wishes to thank Nancy’s special caretakers at Springmoor Retirement Community along with Lisa Lofche, Anne Miller, Jean Smith, Liz King, and Lonnie Stroman for their invaluable kindness and care.

A private graveside service was be held at Oakwood Cemetery. Her funeral service was at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church on Tuesday, April 3 at 2 o'clock, with a visitation following the service in the fellowship hall.

Memorial gifts may be made to Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, 2209 Fairview Road, Raleigh, NC 27608 or to the Dameron Orthopaedic Education Foundation, Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic, 3001 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27612, or the NC Museum of Art, 4630 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St. Raleigh, N.C.