Nancy Lee Wilcox

VALRICO, FL - Nancy (Townsend) Wilcox, age 70, of Valrico, FL, passed away on Thursday, May 13, 2021, surrounded by her family. Nancy, born on July 23, 1950 to Alvin and Laura (Evans) Townsend in Algona, IA, immediately brought joy into the world. She was proud of her farm heritage. She showed cattle at the Hancock County 4-H fair. Nancy went on to graduate from Britt High School in Britt, IA, in 1968 as an honor student. She was the president of the Future Homemakers of America, member of the All-State choir, and first chair clarinet in the marching and concert band. After graduating from high school, Nancy went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English Education at Iowa State University in 1971. In college she played clarinet in the Iowa State University concert band and participated in the drama club. She met Alan “Al” Wilcox the first week of classes at Iowa State University and the two were inseparable from that point on. Nancy and Al began their 50-year marriage on Aug. 30, 1970, and then had two children, Lisa and Erin. Nancy was a fiercely dedicated mom to her children and raised them to go on to accomplish great things. Family came first and was above all else to Nancy, a value she instilled in all those around her. She created lifelong friendships in every state she lived with her generosity and willingness to help her neighbors (Memphis, TN, Wichita, KS, Cedar Rapids, IA, Sidney, OH, Crystal Lake, IL, Great Bridge, VA, Hartsville, SC, Germantown, TN, and Valrico, FL). She enjoyed spending her time volunteering in local schools helping children to read. She was active in the Methodist church serving as a board member, Sunday school teacher, vacation bible schoolteacher, children’s hand bell choir director and United Methodist Women. She loved to use her sewing skills to help with everything from alterations to making dresses for special occasions. Nancy always had a plate of chocolate raspberry bars ready for visitors. She loved to travel and make new friends wherever she went. She showed and bred Bichon Frise dogs and rescued feral cats. Nancy enjoyed country and church music. She loved to dance, especially in her Zumba classes. She was an accomplished musician at singing, piano and clarinet. She was a member of P.E.O, Seekers Circle of St. Andrew’s UMC, Valrico Garden Club, The Townsend Genealogical Society, Iowa State Alumni Association, bridge club, dinner club, and Girl Scouts of America. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Erwin Buck; mother and father-in-law, Wayne and Arlene Wilcox; brother-in-law, Bob Ehrig; and step-brother, John Buck. She is survived by her husband Al; two children, Lisa Wilcox (Andrew Blikken) and Erin Billmeyer (Jess); sisters, Sandy Ehrig and Janine Townsend Campbell; stepsister, Kathryn Buck; brother, Drew Townsend; grandchildren, Emma Billmeyer, Ginny Billmeyer and Jackson Blikken; brothers-in-law, Craig Wilcox and Rick Borts; sisters-in-law, Mary Kay Borts, Karen Wilcox and Michelle Townsend; and a host of devoted and loving, cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice and Memory Care for the loving and kind care that all the staff provided to Nancy and the family during her short stay. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Nancy’s name to Family Promise, care of St. Andrew’s UMC. A memorial service will be held at ST. ANDREW’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 3315 S. Bryan Road, Brandon, FL 33511, at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 20, 2021. The service will also be live-streamed. The link will be provided on the Gunderson Funeral Home website when available. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420