Nancy Wentworth Corley died December 25, 2012 in her hometown of Meadville, MS. Visitation will be on Friday Dec. 28 at 5:00-8:00 pm at Franklin Funeral Home in Meadville and on Saturday at 12:30 at the Meadville United Methodist Church with services following at 1:30. Officiating will be Rev. David Cox. Burial will follow in Midway Cemetery in Meadville.

Pallbearers are Jordan Priest, Jim Priest, Hal Wentworth, Forrest Wentworth, Greg Cotton and Richard Pickett.

She was born March 27, 1930. Daughter of "Mr. James" and "Miss Ruby" Wentworth, Nancy was always an excellent student who read The Iliad by Homer in the fourth grade and every book in the Meadville High School (now Franklin County High) library before graduation. Her love of the written word continued throughout her life from the classics to mysteries and biographies as well as a passion for history. Her intelligence was legendary. She graduated Salutatorian of her class and was chosen Miss Meadville High and Most Popular.

A graduate of Co-Lin Community College and The University of Southern MS, Nancy was active in sports, drama, band, musical theatre and glee club. She was selected as a Class Favorite. She returned to college as an adult and earned a Masters Degree in Gerontology.

While at Southern she met and married the love of her life, Jim Corley. She, a charming beauty and he, a dashing and handsome quarterback, were married 22 years until his death. They lived in Meadville, Collins, and Jackson, MS and were the proud parents of Buster, Becki and Allycen.

Nancy served communities in Arkansas, Texas, and Mississippi over her professional career as a skilled and compassionate health care provider and nursing home administrator. She was recognized by her industry, respected by her colleagues, and earned the affection of her staffs for her professionalism and rapport with the residents and their families. It was the most rewarding time of her life, as she honored her beloved father's creed to serve others.

Nancy enjoyed being a member of several organizations and clubs. She was a long-time member of Meadville United Methodist Church where she was a Jolly Elder. She belonged to The Newcomers Club of Natchez.

A lover of travel, she went abroad several times and relished the historical significance of her experiences. She worked the New York Times crossword puzzle, read multiple newspapers, and followed the local and national political scene daily. An award-winning floral arranger and member of The Natchez Garden Club, she took great pleasure in nature.

Nancy will be missed greatly by her friends who cherish her sharp mind and loyalty; her family who treasure her devotion; her children who are grateful for her unique personality and the gift of her values of moral honor, hard work, tenacity, and the pursuit of knowledge, as well as her love.

Mrs. Corley is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Jim Corley.

She is survived by her brother: Harold Wentworth and wife Mae; her sister: Daisy Sue Cotten, all of Meadville.

She is survived by her son: James "Buster" Corley and wife Leacy of Dallas, TX, daughters: Becki Pickett and husband Richard of Nashville, TN, and Allycen Priest and husband Joey of Meadville, MS.

Nieces and nephews: Hal Wentworth, Joann S. Wentworth, Greg Cotten , and Bobette (Bart) Jones of Meadville, Forrest (Denise) Wentworth of Montgomery, AL and Emery (Jayne) Corley of St. Louis, MO.

Grandchildren include: Leah Pickett of Birmingham, AL, Lauren Schick (Greg) of Nashville, TN, Jana Trout (Dusty) of Meadville, MS, Jordan Priest (Heather) of Brookhaven, MS and Jim Priest of Meadville, and Kate Corley of Dallas, TX.

Great-grandchildren include Allie Beth and Beck Trout; Presley, Lyla, and Tatum Schick; Ava, Livi, and a baby brother (expected in May) Priest.