Obituary of Nancy Douglas Teets

Nancy Douglas Teets, 87, beloved mother, grandmother, colleague and friend, passed away on June 24, 2014 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Born May 22, 1927, raised on Staten Island, NY, she was the daughter of Henry Douglas and Agnes Mylott Douglas. Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, sister Edith, and infant daughter. She leaves behind to cherish her memory daughters Barbara Scarpa and Susan Turner (John Belohlavek), sons William Christian (Karen) and Michael Teets, eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and Henry, her constant canine companion. A young woman during WWII, she worked as a member of the Western Union staff and volunteered time and talent to the war effort. In 1946 at war's end, she married veteran Warren W. Teets, moved to Maryland/West Virginia and later to Miami where, together, they raised four children. Professionally, Nancy worked for many years in the admissions office at Miami-Dade Junior College, and the information technology department at Florida International University. Later, she moved to St. Petersburg and served in both the admissions and student affairs offices at the University of South Florida-St. Petersburg where she was a member of the USF Ambassadors and the USF Singers. At age 55, she fulfilled a life-long goal, earning a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the USF. After retirement, she moved to Lakeland to enjoy her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Throughout her purposeful and generous life, she volunteered time and service. For ten years, she worked in Cleveland Court Elementary School's kindergarten classrooms; countless children benefitted from her special conversation and care. During the same time, she honed her legendary editing and writing skills as editor for Harry Douglas Press. She loved Franklin Roosevelt and Frank Sinatra and David Price. She never forgot a birthday or special event in the life of those she loved. Her favorite things included traveling with family and friends, reading, watching the Tampa Bay Rays, attending the sporting events of her grandchildren, and family holiday gatherings. At her request, a celebration of her life will take place in late summer. Donations in her name can be made to the Salvation Army in Lakeland, Florida. Oak Ridge Funeral Care Winter Haven, Florida