Nancy Jean (Klotz) Curley, 90, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away on April 16, 2026. Born November 24, 1935, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Nancy lived a life marked by steady devotion to others—expressed in quiet care, steadfast prayer, and a selfless spirit that consistently placed the needs of family, students, and church community before her own.
Nancy was a graduate of Bethlehem High School in Pennsylvania and graduated from Bloomsburg State Teacher’s College in May 1958. She later received her New York Teacher’s Certificate in 1974, reflecting a lifelong commitment to learning and to serving others through education.
Nancy dedicated many years to the classroom, where her compassion and sense of purpose were evident to those she taught. She taught 7th grade New York State history and social studies at Greene Central School in New York from 1958–1961 and again from 1970–1979. After moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, she taught 6th grade math/algebra, high school social studies, college and career class, and world studies at Northside Christian Academy from 1981–2004. Nancy retired from teaching in 2004, but her ministry of encouragement continued; she remained known for the way she “loved on” people and for her willingness—often even with strangers—to ask if she could pray for them.
Her faith was central in her daily life. Nancy enjoyed reading, reading her Bible, praying for others, listening to Dr. David Jeremiah’s sermons, and spending time with familiar favorites such as game shows, *Gunsmoke*, and *Murder She Wrote*. She was a member of Northside Baptist Church since 1979 and was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Nancy will be remembered most for her acts of service, the way she loved her students, her family, and those in her church—offering care without hesitation and lifting others in prayer with unwavering devotion.
Nancy is survived by her children: Jennifer Curley Chastain (Ronnie) of Charlotte, North Carolina; Richard J. Curley, Jr. of Gastonia, North Carolina; and Rachel Curley Waynick (Eric) of Weddington, North Carolina; and her grandchildren: Adam Curley, Matthew Curley, and Brooke Waynick.
She was preceded in death by her father, Clayton B. Klotz; her mother, Viola Kramer Klotz; her husband, Richard J. Curley, Sr.; her sister, Dorothy Klotz Glasmire; and her brother, Clayton “Buddy” Klotz. She is also preceded in death by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and two infant brothers.
Visitation will be held at Northside Baptist Church, 333 Jeremiah Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28262, on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A Funeral Service will follow at Northside Baptist Church on Thursday at 3:00 pm. A Committal Service will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery and Memorial Gardens, 1520 W Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Northside Baptist Church, 333 Jeremiah Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262.
