"Phil, Torri , David and family. Joy and I want to express our deepest condolences for your loss. Nancy was a very special person to us more like family than a friend. One of my fondest memories is having dinner with Phil and Nancy whether at our house or theirs having an iced tea, grilling burgers , smoking ribs or having a bowl of Nancy?s awesome chili and our discussions around how we would solve the worlds problems. Nancy will truly be missed. John & Joy Tymony."
In loving memory of
Nancy K. Benes
July 12, 1961 - August 9, 2019
Nancy K. Lock Benes, age 58, of Cordova, Tennessee, died on Friday, August 9, 2019, at 10:26 am in Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri.
Nancy was born July 12, 1961 in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of Wayne and Mary Whiteaker Lock. She married Philip A. Benes on December 27, 1986 in Quincy, IL. He survives.
She was a 1979 Quincy High School graduate and served as president of her senior class. She was a graduate of Greenville College, Greenville, IL and received her Masters Degree in Education Administration from SIU. Nancy spent a good portion of her career in elementary education both in Illinois and Missouri. She started as a teacher at Mulberry Grove, Southern Illinois, then taught in the Francis Howell District, and at Grace Christian School, Maryland Heights, MO. She and Philip moved to the state of Maryland where Nancy taught and worked in development and administration at The King's Christian Academy. While there, she was part of a small group of people who were instrumental in building The King's Christian Academy into one of the most well developed schools in southern Maryland. Nancy completed her career as a teacher and then as the middle school principal at Living Word Christian School, O'Fallon, MO.
Survivors in addition to her husband, Philip, include her son, Capt. David Benes, USAF of Cannon AFB, NM; her daughter, Dr. Victoria Benes of Memphis, TN; her parents, Wayne and Mary Lock of Quincy; a brother, James (Babbett) Lock of Quincy, and her mother-in-law, Mary E. Benes of Cordova, TN.
Nancy was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Paul Benes.
Services: 11:00 am Friday, August 16, 2019 at Central Baptist Church, with Rev. Jason Sommerfeldt and Mr. Patrick Turner officiating.
Burial: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois.
Visitation: 9:00 am - 11:00 am, Friday August 16, 2019 at Central Baptist Church, 7th and Broadway, Quincy.
Memorials: The King's Christian Academy (Callaway, MD)
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"I fondly remember Nancy as children growing up, our families spent a lot of time together. She was so much like her parents who are wonderful people. A quote comes to mind that says it best for me. How softly you tiptoed into our world, only to stay a moment. But what an imprint your footsteps have left upon our hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
" Nancy was like no one else I?ve ever know. She was full of joy and laughter. She sang all the time. She always had a word of encouragement for whoever needed it. We taught together at GCS. We always got together when I went back to StL. We laughed, played, prayed, and she taught me so much about Jesus just by being in her presence. She loved life and people and Jesus. I take comfort in knowing that she is in His presence. Prayers and love to you Phil, David, Tori, Mary, Wayne, and Vickie. "
"When the Lord called me back to GCS in the early 1990's Nancy Benes was already a teacher on staff. It didn't take long for me to realize what a gift she was to the school and quite honestly, to me. Besides being an excellent teacher, she loved and served so freely, with her whole heart. For me personally, she was so many things; a Professional Colleague, Faithful Friend, Sister in the Lord, Prayer Warrior, Day Brightener, Jesus Lover, Rule Follower, Teacher Advocate, Trusted Confidant, Thought Provoker, Servant Hearted, Children's Minister, Word Believer, all those things and more! She probably didn't realize the impact she made on my life, it was huge! Nancy was there for me during some of the most wonderful and also difficult times. (I really should have thanked her more!) Nancy loved her students with her whole heart and she would seek the Lord diligently to guide them "in the way they should go" daily. A pure example of a Christian Educator who taught her students spirit, mind and body. I thought it would be fun to post some pictures of her GCS classes, back in the 90's. (I tried to tag some of you!) I always said, "it takes a special person to teach Middle School" and she was all that and more! Nancy, we know you are rejoicing in heaven sweet friend, free from pain and sickness, walking face to face with Jesus and we are so happy for you! Your love and joy will be truly missed here on earth. My heart hurts for your dear family, they will miss you most of all. So thankful for the promise of eternity through Jesus, knowing we will see each other again is a true comfort! With much love and admiration--Jan DeGraaf"
"When the Lord called me back to GCS in the early 1990's Nancy Benes was already a teacher on staff. It didn't take long for me to realize what a gift she was to the school and quite honestly, to me. Besides being an excellent teacher, she loved and served so freely, with her whole heart. For me personally, she was so many things; a Professional Colleague, Faithful Friend, Sister in the Lord, Prayer Warrior, Day Brightener, Jesus Lover, Rule Follower, Teacher Advocate, Trusted Confidant, Thought Provoker, Servant Hearted, Children's Minister, Word Believer, all those things and more! She probably didn't realize the impact she made on my life, it was huge! Nancy was there for me during some of the most wonderful and also difficult times. (I really should have thanked her more!) Nancy loved her students with her whole heart and she would seek the Lord diligently to guide them "in the way they should go" daily. A pure example of a Christian Educator who taught her students spirit, mind and body. I thought it would be fun to post some pictures of her GCS classes, back in the 90's. (I tried to tag some of you!) I always said, "it takes a special person to teach Middle School" and she was all that and more! Nancy, we know you are rejoicing in heaven sweet friend, free from pain and sickness, walking face to face with Jesus and we are so happy for you! Your love and joy will be truly missed here on earth. My heart hurts for your dear family, they will miss you most of all. So thankful for the promise of eternity through Jesus, knowing we will see each other again is a true comfort! With much love and admiration--Jan DeGraaf"
"Nancy was a beautiful, joy-filled light at the Kings Christian Academy. She was my Assistant Administrator, Development Director. She shared devotions in Chapel and taught Apologetics in Senior Bible. She loved singing solos and singing. in the halls. She laughed and cried and comforted us. She lives on in our hearts and memories. We send comfort and peace to Phil, Torie, David, Mary, Wayne, and Vicky. Rest in peace, singing with the Heavenly Choir Well done, good and faithful servant. They have chosen The Kings Christian Academy for Gifts in Memory to the Nancy Benes fund. The Kings Christian Academy 20678 Three Notch Road, Callaway, MD 20620 "
"I keep hearing the Scripture, ?to live is Christ, to die is gain.? Nancy surely lived Christ expressing His love to all with whom she met. And she has gained all now in the arms of her Lord. Oh, how we miss her and grieve our loss of her. It was a gift from God to know and work with Nancy at KCA. And to know Phil, David, Tori, Wayne, and Mary. My prayers, love and sympathy to all of you. Until we meet again, Nancy! "
"We share our deep felt condolences to Wayne, Mary, and Jim, over the loss of Nancy to this world and her graduation to God's Heavenly home. Our prayers and love are yours to keep. Our memories of Nancy of years gone by are treasured and deep. Bruce and Maxine Rice"
"Nancy used her 4th of July decorations to decorate for my becoming an American party! And that was so special! "
"Nancy touched my heart in such an amazing way. She was so full of life and love! She was crazy fun and ready to sing and dance at any moment. She would know just when to text or call and say the sweetest things to make the day so very special! She was a light to everyone! When you know Nancy you saw Jesus!"
"Wayne, Mary, and Jim my heart aches for you. Prayers for strength for all of you at this difficult time. Always remember how much better off she is now. "
"Hugging you all at this time...I see her kissing, dancing, and praising with all of the children in heaven. It was a gift to know Nancy on this journey, but I am awaiting the time to dine with her at that heavenly banquet table!!"
"I am so sorry to hear of my Sister passing on to the lord, and inheriting the kingdom of God, I was a just a young man , in memory of jay lock and wife, and I do remember Wayne and family, Again my prayers, be with you, we must trudge on, to carry the wonderful old cross, pastor victor Gottman, los angeles , calf "
"Nancy you carried the heart of our Father wherever you went. You made people feel special. You brought life, hope and joy to whoever was around you. You were a delight to your parents - We loved hearing Pastor Wayne preach at the country church. Mary truly cared for everyone there. It was exciting to see you so in love - your eyes lit up when you would say Phillip?s name. You glowed when you became a mother. You set an example on how to walk in faith. I remember on December 2, 1990 how you came softly into Esther?s ( Larry?s Mom) hospital room. It was the day after she had lost her husband in a tragic car accident. You sat beside her bed and holding her hand you reminded her of the hope we have as believers in Christ Jesus. My dear sister in the Lord you arrived first. The day will be coming when we meet again to spend a glorious eternity with our dear Lord and Savior. So instead of good bye I will say see you when I get home. Until then Larry and I will miss you and keep your family close to our hearts. "
"Dear Wayne, Mary and Jim. You have our Deepest Sympathy. Bring back alot of memories when you lived in the neighborhood and all the kids played together. God Bless, Don and Wanda O'Hara"
"Wayne Mary and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you ! Steve and Tina Moore "
"I worked with Nancy at the Spencer Road Library branch. Nancy was such a positive, caring and kind person. It was always a good day if Nancy and I worked the same shift. She was instrumental in helping one of our colleagues in need. We were all better for having Nancy in our lives. "
"Wayne and MARY: Your loss is too painful to get your arms around. My arms are around you, as you bear the unbearable. All my love of our 70 year friendship are with you both, George Andrew Milton"
"Like so many others have said, it's so hard to really find the words to describe how special and loved she is. Instead of talking and singing about Jesus here...she now dances and laughs with Him now. Though you will be missed so very much what a joyous reunion we'll have when we join you in heaven. Love is eternal!!!"
"Mrs Benes- you were an inspiration and such a sweet soul. You were my first Bible teacher at a new high school. I was nervous and didn?t know about a change going to a new school but you made me feel welcome and loved. You had a beautiful voice, singing and laughing, always spreading joy. One of my favorite memories of you was you having us girls do the ?snow dance? the day before it would snow in hopes it would get us all a snow day. ?Snow snow snow snow, we want it to snow, snowwwwww snowwwwww, we want it to snow? I will never forget that and I still do the ?snow dance? for snow days. I know you?re looking down smiling and will sing the song from up there on behalf of us. I will miss you and your beautiful smile so much. Thank you for being you and shining God?s love. "
"Nancy is a one of a kind lady. Always larger than life with a love for Jesus like no one else. Her laughter and her smile lit up every room she walked into. I am blessed to have met Nancy and her family. I am thankful that God intersected our paths. Nancy you are loved and will be missed but this is not goodbye it is until we meet again in Heaven. Love you!!!"
"Thank you for bringing joy and laughter to all our lives. I still picture you walking down the hall singing ever time it snows. "
"What a bright light, a Jesus lover, a lover of people & most of all her family. Always happy, she brightened any room she entered. Love you so much my dear friend, how I will miss you!"