Nancy M. Gunstream
Nancy M. Gunstream, “Nannie”, 91 of Orange, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 12, 2024 surrounded by her children.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 15, 2024 at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Orange. The service will be officiated by Reverend Barry Bradley, with burial to follow at Autumn Oaks Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. prior to funeral service.
Nancy was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in the West Virginia/Pennsylvania area. After graduating from high school, she moved to Washington D.C. It was there that she met the love of her life, Lewis Gunstream, who was then serving in the Army. She and Lewis were married for 56 years until his passing. Nancy held many cherished roles throughout her life: she was a faithful daughter, a caring sister, a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a doting grandmother. Nancy was a member of First Baptist Church Orange (FBCO) for over 65 years. Not only did she worship at FBCO, but she also worked there for 25 years in various capacities, including music/youth secretary, finance secretary, and church librarian. One of her greatest joys was volunteering in the Mission Office at FBCO, and she was a dedicated member of the church choir. In her leisure time, Nancy took great pleasure in working on crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, bird watching, and gardening—activities that brought her immense joy and satisfaction.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mildred Matsko, her husband Lewis C. Gunstream Jr., and her daughter Holly Brown.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sister, Johnetta Woods; children, daughter Terry Ferguson and husband Tracy, daughter Lynda Gunstream and husband John Heard, son-in-law David Brown, son Mark Gunstream and wife Susan; grandchildren Katelyn Watson and husband Jordan, Luke Gunstream and wife Natalie, Cynthia Best and husband Nathan, Ryan Gunstream, Justin Brown, Caleb Brown and wife Dakotah, Matthew Brown, and Michelle Brown; and 8 great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Nancy’s caregivers—Jennifer, Debbie, Terry, Branda, and Jamie—as well as to Compassion Hospice and their nurses Natasha and Elaine. The love and support provided by all of these individuals were deeply appreciated and made a meaningful difference.
Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons: Luke Gunstream, Ryan Gunstream, Justin Brown, Caleb Brown, Matthew Brown, and Nathan Best. The deacons of FBCO will serve as honorary pallbearers.
For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Mission Office of FBCO, 7637 MLK Drive, Orange, TX 77632.