JOURNEY OF LIFE

A Time to Be Born

Nancy Loretta Bartlett was born on May 25, 1947.  She grew up in Washington, D.C. surrounded by loving family members, which included her mother, Aldine, her five brothers and sisters and countless close relatives.

A Time to Spread Your Wings

She left home at an early age after graduating from Mary Martha Washington Vocational High School where she majored in childcare. She tried her hand at waitressing. She bought a condo and lived there with her 2 Chow Chow dogs and a monkey. Shortly after, she joined forces with her sister, Carolyn. They supported each other and lived together for over 70 years.

Not too long after stepping out on her own, she got a position in the Government Printing Office, where she worked for years serving her country and printing publications for the United States Congress, until her retirement in 1997. She often told the story, "They came through the office and asked, Who has twenty-five years? I raised my hand and said I'm out of here!". Nancy really enjoyed retirement. She traveled with family, watched Redskin games, ordered things . . . "everything" from HSN, took care of her poodle dogs, neighborhood cats, attended senior group functions with her church, had regular lunch dates with her sisters and cousins known as the Golden Girls, and spent her leisure time listening to country music and gambling.

A Time to Love

Nancy met her love, John Hicks and maintained a loving relationship for over 50 years. Uncle John, as the family affectionately called him, spoiled Aunt Nancy. She would often brag about her monetary birthday and Christmas gifts. Together they loved on her animals and supported their families in various ways, including opening up both of their homes for family events like cookouts, Easter egg hunts, and family dinners. Nancy's wit and hard work gave her an opportunity to touch many lives, including her siblings: Robert, Carolyn, Mary, Patricia and Richard.  Later in life, she joined The Word of God Baptist Church where she adored spending time with the Golden Eagles, senior citizens' group. Nancy would often take them out on trips and buy everyone lunch. She loved her seniors, and they were crazy about her. After leaving The Word of God Baptist Church, she joined Unity of Love Praise Temple, a church that's been in her family for years. She continued to support the church and the seniors' ministry there.

Additionally, Nancy spent much of her time displaying her love for animals, whether it was monkeys, ferrets, birds, cats or dogs!  Her babies Cocoa, Sweet Pea, Precious Main Man and Bebe were the loves of her life.  In addition to her brothers and sisters, her nieces and nephews, her godchildren and family members lit up her world…and she lit up theirs.

A Time to Transition

In 2016 Nancy received a cancer diagnosis that she would fight like a warrior until the end. She truly fought the good fight. Nancy passed away on December 3, 2024. She was overwhelmingly supported and surrounded by her family and friends throughout this battle. She didn't complain. In fact, she said, "I've had a good life." She wished she could have done more but was grateful. She thanked everyone, told them she loved and appreciated them. We reminded her of all the love she gave and how she touched so many lives. Nancy lived her life unapologetically. She taught us how to live and she taught us how to prepare to leave here.

Although Nancy is gone, she will live in our hearts forever.

Family and Friends Gathering, 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 14, 2024, until time of Memorial Service, 12:00 p.m., in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.

On Saturday, December 14, 2024  at 12:00 pm, please click on the link below to live stream the service.

Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

The streaming will begin after the final family viewing.  Therefore, there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream