This month we are giving the newcomers a break….so…. Spotlight
On
Nancy Lovelace


          Nancy was born in Royston, Georgia, to Nenia and Prince Hodgson. The youngest of two children, she grew up in a loving, comfortable, care-free environment. Both parents were school teachers, but had a cook/housekeeper, Janna, who also helped to take care of the girls, and who referred to Nancy by the pet name of 'Baby'. Her parents had lived through the depression, and, like most people of that time, were very thrifty and taught the girls to take very good care of their things. The girls helped in the house and were raised with a strong work ethic and care for others, something that is still evident today.

          Although the Hodgson's home was rather small, it speaks volumes for the loving, caring nature of the family, that when a grandmother fell - suffering a broken hip - she, and the spinster aunt who cared for her, were welcomed into the family.

          Nancy has very fond memories of growing up in Bowman, Georgia, which she describes as a "Mayberry" type of town. A small community of under 1000 people, with one traffic light, and one of the main gathering places being the drug store where they would purchase ice-cream or fountain sodas. She still remembers the time when it only had one paved road.

          Nancy was raised in the Baptist faith, the family went to church and Sunday school each week. Her father taught Sunday school, she still remembers some of his lessons. Her parents were good role models and the strong Christian values that they embraced were passed on to their children.

          Having lived through the depression, then witnessing the struggles of World War II widows, Nancy's parents were determined that the girls would receive a college education and be self-sufficient. Educated first at Bowman elementary, then Bowman High School, Nancy was a good student, with a love of mathematics. Nancy wasn't sportsminded, but she was a cheerleader.

          The year before she graduated, the school added a 12th grade for the first time. Prior to that, students graduated after the 11th grade. 12th grade became a Secretarial studies specialty class. Nancy took the class and is still thankful that it taught her typing skills. Graduating Salutatorian, Nancy went on to the University of Georgia where she earned a BS in Home Economics Education. University was a bit of a shock after life in a small town….her freshman dorm could accommodate 1000 girls…..that was more people than the entire population of Bowman! She pledged Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, and it was a sorority sister who asked her to go on a blind date with Don Lovelace, a 1955 graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy studying at the Naval Supply School in Athens.

          The January blind date was a success, and they continued to date. Unfortunately, Don was scheduled to leave in February for a two year sea assignment. Nancy stayed behind, crammed extra studies into her schedule and graduated after only three years. The long distance romance survived, they were engaged on June 14th, 1957. Nancy's parents lone worry about the engagement was the fact that Don was a Catholic; however, Nancy had great admiration for Don's devotion to his faith and church, so she took instruction and was accepted into the Roman Catholic faith August 12th, 1958. She and Don were married four days later.

          Don's next military assignment took the newlyweds to Norfolk, Virginia, where Nancy went to work teaching 5th grade students. In 1959 their first son, Donnie, was born and Nancy stayed at home to look after him.

          Nancy has very fond memories of the next assignment to Hawaii. There's a special camaraderie among military families, never more so than when they are all far from home. Nancy and her family were blessed with good friends, and a strong support system. They lived on the island of Oahu, sons Stephen and Greg were born there, and the family enjoyed the casual, fun-filled life.

          Although Nancy had tried very hard to embrace Don's faith, she had some issues with the doctrine, finding some things impossible to accept. After much searching, she found the Episcopal church in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, took instruction, and was confirmed in that church in January 1963.

          Subsequent military assignments took them to North Carolina - where their daughter, Malia, was born - then on to Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, and finally to Hanahan in 1974.

          Nancy had been going to church with Don and the children. She really felt that she needed to be with the children and worship as a family unit. When they moved here, she asked the priest if she could take Communion, he said no. Nancy decided that the children were old enough to go to church without her, and she began to search for a church 'home'. She went to St. Paul's in Summerville, and to our St. Thomas. One night during the pre-dinner prayers, she prayed for 'Christian Fellowship this week'. Jack Beckwith was the rector of St. Thomas at the time, and that very week he came to visit her. She has always felt thankful that "Jack heeded the prodding of the Holy Spirit to visit her". He told her that 'house church' was meeting in her neighbourhood that week, inviting her to join them. She became a member of our parish family.

          St. Thomas is certainly blessed by her presence, as she continues to live the values instilled in her by her parents. She cares deeply for our church and parish family, and has been very active on our behalf. In the past she has: served on the Vestry; been Senior Warden; Fellowship Chairman; Finance Chairman; ECW President; and taught Sunday school. Currently, she: serves on the Building and Grounds committee; is a Eucharistic Minister and a Lay Reader.

          Although she is retired from professional life - having been a book-keeper, real estate agent, then broker - she still leads a very busy life. Gardening is one of her passions, and she is often to be seen in the grounds of the church, pruning, weeding, raking, making our grounds a place of which we can be proud. She always tries to leave the place a little better, living her philosophy of: ' We can each make a difference'.

          Nancy's faith is an important part of who she is…she prefers the contemplative eight o'clock service; enjoys the adult Bible studies; found Cursillo to be a great experience; and enjoys being part of the various groups.

          She loves to dance, partnering Don at Square Dancing sessions. She's also an avid Bridge player, and, I might add from experience, a good player. She loves to read, John Grisham, Tom Clancy and David Baldacci being some of her favourite authors.

          When asked what she considers to be her most important achievement, she immediately talks of her family. She and Don have raised four children, educated them well, & seen them go on to be successful.

          The whole family are scheduled to go on a family cruise next year as she and Don celebrate almost 50 years of a wonderful life together. They are very supportive of each other, attending functions in each others churches, sharing the same values while respecting the other's beliefs.

          She would like to do more travelling, and has fond memories of trips to Japan and Hawaii. She and Don are about to take a trip to New England in September, a first for her and highly anticipated.

          Nancy has led a very interesting life and has many stories to share. Sadly, there isn't room to write everything, but I hope this will give you a glimpse of a lady who is a very important part of our parish family.