Mansfield – Nancy was born in Mansfield, Ohio on January 25, 1924 and passed away on March 14, 2024 at the age of 100 years old. The daughter of the late Rupert F. Cox and Minnie (Colvin) Cox, she was the last surviving member of her family.
Nancy and her twin sister Carolyn graduated from Mansfield Senior High in January 1942, a class of 98 students, including three sets of twins. She and her twin served in the United States Navy as WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) for two years in Washington, DC during World War II. Nancy was Honorably Discharged as a Yeoman Second Class from the U. S. Naval Personnel Unit on April 4, 1946. Employed in various jobs during her lifetime, including Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company and the Mansfield Area Chamber of Commerce, she retired with her husband, from the A.L. Allen Insurance Agency.
She married Albert L. Allen, Jr. on July 13, 1946, after both were discharged from military service in World War II. Throughout their marriage, they enjoyed traveling, especially to the United Kingdom to trace their family roots back to England. They also enjoyed winter months in Gulf Shores, AL. During their 58 years of marriage, the last memorable trip was to the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC shortly before Al’s passing in 2004.
Nancy was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. She also enjoyed dancing to the 1940’s Big Band music and she and her twin would often skip chores to dance on their back porch while growing up. Nancy loved playing cards – especially Bridge and Hearts with her friends and Double Solitaire with her granddaughter. She was also an exercise enthusiast and enjoyed riding her bike or walking on the treadmill.
She is survived by her son Thomas S. Allen (Nancy) and her daughter Suzanne E. Griggs (Gordon); grandchildren Robert T. (Kristina) Allen, Ryan S. (Emma) Allen, Roland S., Marianna C. and Brant A. Griggs; great-grandchildren Ellie, Leah and Luke Allen, several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Nancy is predeceased by her husband Albert L. Allen, Jr. and infant son. Sisters Mary Slabaugh (Watson), Emily Beard Herrick (Robert), Carolyn A. Colby (William); brothers Rupert F. Cox, Jr. (Mary Alice) and Richard C. Cox who disappeared from the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY in 1950; nephews Robert W. Colby and David C. Beard; special friend, James C. Gorman.
Friends and family will be received on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at Snyder Funeral Homes, 350 Marion Ave., Mansfield, OH 44903. On Friday, March 22, 2024, Terry McKinley will officiate the funeral services beginning at 11:00am at the funeral home. Burial will be held in the Veterans Honor Grounds at the Mansfield Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church or the Humane Society of Richland County.
Funeral Home: Marion Avenue Snyder
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com