Nancy Louise Stovall

Nancy L. Stovall passed away on Monday, November 11, 2013, at her home in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She was 88 years old.
Nancy L. Stovall was born June 7, 1925 in Marion, Illinois to Bert and Dewey (Downs) Patterson. Her father passed away when Nancy was two years old. She was raised by her mother along with her three brothers and two sisters who have all preceded her in death.
Nancy met her husband, John William (Bill) Stovall, in Marion, Illinois on a blind date in 1949. Nancy and Bill were married on May 7, 1949 in St. Louis, Missouri only three months after their initial meeting. The couple subsequently moved to Poplar Bluff where they have resided for 64 years. Nancy is survived by her devoted husband, Bill, who has often remarked that marrying Nancy was the best thing that could have ever happened to him. Nancy and Bill had their first daughter, Nancy Ann Stovall, on September 7, 1952. Nancy Ann currently resides in Columbia, Missouri. Nancy Ann has two daughters, Emily McWilliams of Columbia, Missouri and Catherine Batson who resides with her husband, Jonathan in Denver, Colorado. The Stovall's second daughter, Sally Marie Stovall Milner, was born on June 17, 1954. Sally and her husband, George Milner have three daughters, Julie Littles and husband, Brock of Poplar Bluff, Jan Wooten and husband, Charlie of Hillsboro, Missouri and Johnna Milner of Poplar Bluff. Nancy and Bill have 5 great-grandchildren: Jace Milner Littles and Quin Alexander Littles of Poplar Bluff and Avery Jane Wooten, Marin Louise Wooten and John Thomas Wooten of Hillsboro, Missouri. Nancy is also survived by a special niece, Joyce Ann Travelstead and husband, Larry of Johnston City, Illinois, and a special nephew, Joseph F. Stivers of Fenton, Missouri.
Nancy was an avid Democratic Party member having served as the Democratic Committee woman for the 3rd Ward in Poplar Bluff. She tirelessly manned the phones and worked door to door to solicit votes during many elections. Nancy was highly regarded for her support to the Democratic Party and was designated to represent the Party at both the Missouri State and US National Democratic Conventions. She was privileged to work with such Democratic Party leaders as US Vice President Hubert Humphrey, US Attorney General Robert Kennedy, US Senator Edward Kennedy, US Senator Thomas Eagleton, US Congressman Bill Burlison, Missouri Governors Warren Hearnes and Joseph Teasdale, and Missouri State Senator Nelson Tinnin.
Nancy and her husband, Bill together began the Stovall Wholesale Meat Company in 1960. She worked side by side with Bill throughout the years to make the business a success which endures today.
Nancy was devoted to her family and friends, all who loved her deeply. Her caring nature extended to her many pets for which she provided boundless affection. The loving support she gave to all she ever touched will be missed.
Nancy was a member of the First Christian Church of Poplar Bluff.
A public celebration of her life will be held Friday, November 15, 2013, at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. with the funeral service following at 2:00 p.m. The service will be conducted by Jimmy Stovall, her nephew.
Memorials may be made to the United Cancer Assistance Network (UCAN), 1419 W Maud St, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.