Obituary: Rita Gayle Nagle Nance
Rita Gayle Nagle Nance, 75, passed away on April 12, 2025, at her home in New Bern, NC.
Born on December 21, 1949, Gayle was the daughter of the late Myrle Joseph Nagle, Jr. and Mary Virginia Bright Nagle Uhteg. A proud descendant of Simon Bright II, one of the founders of Kinston, NC, Gayle held a deep appreciation for her family heritage.
Gayle spent her very early childhood in Germany while her father served in the United States Air Force and returned to the U.S. to Suitland, MD. Living near Washington, D.C. fostered in Gayle a lifelong passion for music and history—memories of midday museum visits and weekend concerts on the National Mall remained some of her most cherished.
Her professional life began as a civilian in the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations as an administrative assistant—a role that blossomed into a long and dedicated administrative career. She later retired from Caswell Center in Kinston.
Gayle married Philip Nance, and for a time they together raised two beloved children, Paul and Jennifer. Their family made a home in Oak Creek, WI, before Gayle and the children settled in Kinston in 1987. Gayle was devoted to her community as a volunteer Girl Scout leader for more than a decade, nurturing the potential of young women, including her daughter, encouraging them to believe in themselves and explore new interests.
A woman of deep faith, Gayle was a member of Faith Lutheran Church. Her heart was most full when surrounded by her family, especially her treasured twin granddaughters who brought her immense pride and joy.
An avid reader with a special love for historical fiction, Gayle could often be found with a book in hand. She was also talented in needlepoint, crochet, and sewing—skills she lovingly used to craft clothing and items for the home.
Gayle was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her son, Paul David Nance, and his wife Yancey Mayfield of Philadelphia, PA; her daughter, Jennifer Gayle Nance Watson, and husband John Christopher Watson of Winterville, NC; and her grandchildren, Catesby Anne Watson and Aubrey Claire Watson, of Winterville, and by additional step-grandchildren, Berkley Cole Watson and his wife Emilee Hudler Watson, and Eion Miller Watson, all of Hickory, NC. Gayle leaves behind extended family in Kinston and Snow Hill, NC, whom she loved dearly.
A graveside service will be held at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (www.komen.org) in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements are entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations of Kinston. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com
