Nancy Ellen (Cassaday) Cummings

A daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and a child of God. Called Nanny by her grand kids. A lady with a heart always caring, she was always there for those whom she loved. Nancy was the second child, after her brother Bob, born to Warren and Ellen (Gigi) Cassaday of Pitman, New Jersey. She attended The First Methodist Church and Youth Groups, and played cello at the Pittman High School where she graduated in 1966. In1970, she graduated from Houghton College after earning her degree in psychology and sociology. With a heart for service Nancy joined VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America). Her journey took her to Johnson City, Tennessee where she worked with civil rights groups, Housing rights, community food canneries, and other projects, wherever there was a need. It was here, in the Appalachian Mountains, where she met John Ralph Cummings Jr, who was also with VISTA. On June 23, 1979 they married in Bloomington, IN and bought a home in Greene County, just south of Bloomfield. Here the raised their two sons John III, who married Brandy Denham, and Matthew, who married Danielle Owen. Nancy was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bloomfield, a faithful Sunday School teacher for more than twenty years, and moderator of the church for three years. Nancy was active in the Walk to Emmaus and Chrysalis communities, serving on Board of Directors, and volunteering her time to work on many walks. Nancy was the first Executive Director of the Girls Club in Bloomington, helped found the Greene County Meth Alliance, and was last employed as director of the tobacco cessation program in Greene County. Nancy was preceded in death by her father Warren Cassaday, father and mother-in-laws John and Ruth Cummings, and Aunt Alice. Surviving her are her husband John; son John III and his wife Brandy, their children Madison, Emma, and Ethan; son Matthew and his wife Danielle, their children Jasmine and Sage; her mother Ellen Cassaday; brother Bob Cassaday and his wife Barbara, their children Rob, Jenny and Shannon; and sister-in-law Rowena Lankford, and her daughters Kendal and Kiersten. A celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2014 at the First Baptist Church in Bloomfield, with Rev. Nathan Brooks officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made be made to the Bloomfield Community Food Pantry at the First Baptist Church. Jenkins & Sons Funeral Home in Bloomfield is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be sent at www.jenkinsfuneralhomes.com.

Nancy Ellen (Cassaday) Cummings

February 20, 1948 - July 29, 2014