Nancy Lillian Serenda

Born on May 15, 1941, to Painter and Rose Watkins, Nancy lived a life rooted in faith, family, strength, and perseverance. Raised in a large Appalachian family, she carried those values with her throughout her life and passed them on to the generations that followed.

For more than 50 years, Nancy faithfully served at Cleveland Baptist Church, including decades teaching Sunday School and helping shape generations through her prayers, compassion, wisdom, and steady Christian example.

The man of God taught me the Word of God, but my Mom showed me how to live out the Word of God.

That was her ministry. That was her legacy.

Long before the world talked about influencers, Nancy was a true generational influencer. Her impact was not built on attention or popularity, but on faithfulness. Through prayer, love, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family, she helped shape generations of lives.

She was principled, outspoken, consistent, authentic, and bold. She loved her God, her family, and her church with unwavering devotion. Through both her words and her example, she constantly reminded the people she loved to trust God through every season of life.

Nancy was preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia Ann Arko; her parents, Painter and Rose Watkins; and her siblings Louise Ferguson, Fred Watkins, Howard Watkins, Andrew Watkins, and Leonard Watkins.

She is survived by her son, David William Serenda and wife Lori of Abingdon, Maryland; grandchildren Ariel Ashley Arko of Cleveland, Ohio, Daytona Mallory Arko and husband Lindon of Harbor Springs, Michigan, Faith Serenda and Joy Serenda of Abingdon, Maryland; four great-grandchildren; and siblings Clifford Kenneth Watkins and wife Kathy of Damascus, Virginia, Martha Lee Watkins Crain and husband Ernest of Bristol, Virginia, Lucille Hopkins of Archdale, North Carolina, and Vance Henry Watkins and wife Gail of Abingdon, Virginia.

Her favorite hymn was “Till the Storm Passes By,” a reflection of the faith that carried her through every season of life.

While our hearts are broken, we rejoice knowing she is finally home, resting in the presence of the Savior she faithfully loved and served.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”