Nancy Colleen Mccoy

Beloved mother, grandmother and friend, Nancy Colleen Shannon McCoy passed away early Saturday morning on August 27th, 2022. Nancy was the youngest of two children born to Claude and Reba Shannon, who predeceased her. Nancy had one sister, Claudia Thomas, who also perdeceased Nancy in 2019. Nancy is survived by her daughter, Colleen McCoy, son-in-law, James Nicholson and three grandchildren: Naomi, James, II and Juliet (Jules) Nicholson. Nancy's sole remaining family resides in Denver, Colorado. Nancy married Bob McCoy in 1964. Although, they were officially divorced in 1986, Bob and Nancy remained in friendly contact. Bob continues to reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Nancy was born May 24, 1941 in Pond Creek, Oklahoma. She entertained her friends and family with stories recalling tales of country life, including riding a horse to school and killing chickens for supper. Nancy's family relocated to Enid, Oklahoma when she was still a child. Nancy was well known for her outgoing personality, spunkiness, wry sense of humor, fiery red hair, and abundant freckles. She earned the nickname of "Tootsie" among friends and family in Enid.

Nancy graduated from Enid High School in 1959. At Enid High School, Nancy excelled academically, obtaining athletic recognition as a member of Enid High's synchronized swimming team, the "Aquanets". She also received praise as an "Honor Thespian" by both performing in and directing Enid High School student plays.

Nancy desired to attend the University of Arkansas with the goal of pursuing courses that might allow her to become a field anthropologist or an engineer. However, it was the early 1960s and she was told by guidance counselors and family members that these were not careers for women. It was suggested to her by her family that instead she follow in her older sister's footsteps and seek a degree in Education at Oklahoma State University. Nancy obliged her family and began attending OSU.

She was extremely active in her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. So active, in fact, that she was awarded a full scholarship by the sorority's national governing body in order to attend the University of Arkansas to establish a new sorority chapter there. Nancy moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas and graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1963 with a Bachelor's degree in Education. After graduation, Nancy accepted teaching assignments across the United States, including Maryland, Michigan, and Oklahoma. At one point, Nancy also worked abroad with the Department of Defense Education School system in Germany.

While living in Maryland, Nancy led a very exciting and glamorous life (at least her daughter always thought so). Nancy almost attended Woodstock, but couldn't due to road closures forcing she and her friends to return to Maryland. Nancy was also visiting Dallas the day that President Kennedy was assassinated. In the 1990s, Nancy was eating at the Pancake Palace in Tulsa and ended up sharing a table with Jerry Garcia and the rest of the Grateful Dead, who happened to be passing through town. The funniest part is that she didn't even know who they were. Nancy had a way of attracting interesting experiences.

While living in Maryland, Nancy dated a multi-millionaire who would fly her to different cities just for dinner. She also dated a rocket scientist during this time, who she took to the circus because he had never been. Both the men proposed to Nancy. Nancy turned both down and ultimately married her long time school friend from Enid, Bob McCoy. Nancy and Bob resided in Germany, where she worked as a teacher. During this time, Nancy backpacked extensively throughout Europe and spent time in numerous countries. In addition to her time in Europe, Nancy traveled throughout the U.S.., Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas and even Japan.

After, Nancy and Bob returned to the States, Nancy was accepted as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the College of Education at OSU. There she taught undergraduate courses and obtained her Masters in Reading Education. Nancy relocated with Bob to Tulsa where she taught elementary education in the Tulsa Public Schools for many years until her retirement.

During her time in Tulsa, Nancy obtained her pilot's license and together with Bob, owned a little Cessna airplane that they would fly with their daughter, Colleen. Nancy was a fantastic tennis player and swimmer. She played piano and was an avid skier for many years. She loved camping and canoeing. Nancy had an adventurous spirit. At one point, she was even on the short list for the NASA's "Teacher in Space" program.

Nancy was an excellent and amazing mother who excelled at everything she attempted and obtained numerous professional accolades for her work in education. She was a loyal friend, devoted sister, daughter, mother and grandmother. Nancy had humor and a quick mind that will continue to be remembered and treasured by family. Nancy requested that in the event of her passing, people not be sad. Nancy requested that she have a "happy" memorial instead. Therefore, to honor her wishes, the family plans to hold a Celebration of Life event honoring her at date yet to be determined.