Nancy Marie Blanton Weathers

Nancy Marie Blanton Weathers, 75, passed peacefully on January 23, 2026, in her home, surrounded by love, memories, seashells from her travels, and her daughters by her side.

Born on December 28, 1950, in Council Grove, Kansas, Nancy was the daughter of Bill Blanton and Lois Blanton. She graduated from Council Grove High School in 1968 and went on to attend business school, becoming one of the original keypunch operators working on early IBM mainframe systems in the early 1970s—an achievement that reflected her intelligence, adaptability, and strong work ethic.

Nancy built a long and dedicated career with Nationwide Insurance in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she worked for nearly 40 years before retiring. A working mother her entire life, she balanced career and family with determination, grace, and quiet strength.

She married James Elton Weathers, and together they raised two daughters, Melinda “Mendy” Weathers and Jennifer “Jenna” Weathers, who were the center of her world. Nancy was a devoted mother who always encouraged her daughters to chase their dreams, keep going, and believe in themselves. She was both daughters’ hero and best friend.

In her younger married years, Nancy enjoyed horses, later developing a love for NASCAR, attending races with friends and sharing in the excitement and community that came with it. She had a deep love for travel, especially traveling with her daughters. Together they made cherished memories visiting Aruba, Grand Cayman, Mexico, Japan, California, and Hawaii. She also found joy in swimming, snorkeling, bird watching, sunsets, and time near the water.

Nancy cherished sunflowers and all things Kansas, carrying her roots with pride throughout her life. She was a devoted “grand-pup” grandmother and delighted in spoiling them endlessly.

Though not a grandchild by birth, Polly held a special place in Nancy’s heart. For the last eight years of her life, Nancy lovingly cared for, played with, and spoiled Polly as her closest experience to being a grandmother. Nancy was also deeply supported by Tiffany and Jimmy Lyle, who spent the last eight years of Nancy’s life caring for her weekly and daily with compassion and dedication. Tiffany and Jimmy’s children— Cheyenne, Hannah, and Polly— and great-grandson Baby River were a cherished part of Nancy’s extended family and heart.

Nancy courageously fought a 10+ year battle with COPD and pulmonary illness. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate Hospice team at Transitions LifeCare, whose care and support brought comfort and dignity during her final days.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Lois Blanton; her husband, James Elton Weathers; her sister, Peggy Blanton; and several beloved grand-pups.

She is survived by her daughters, Melinda “Mendy” Weathers, along with her devoted companion and grand-pup MonteZuma Weathers, and Jennifer “Jenna” Weathers, her spouse Todd Dryden, and daughter Hadleigh Dryden; her brother Gerld Blanton and spouse Joy Blanton; her brother Billy Blanton and spouse Rose Blanton; her sister Linda (Blanton) Moore and spouse Randy Moore; extended family; and many friends whose lives she touched through her kindness, strength, and unwavering support.

In lieu of flowers, sunflowers are welcome, or donations may be made in Nancy’s memory to Hospice care, COPD research, or a charity of one’s choice.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service & Crematory, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, NC 27545.

Nancy’s legacy lives on in the strength of her daughters, the journeys she inspired, and the love she gave so freely.