She is survived by her son, Chris Slusser; daughter, Kellie Bangston; three grandchildren, Lily, Colton, and Olivia; brothers, Mike (Kathy) Gould, Pat Gould; sister, Susan (Dan) Navarra; nieces and nephews, Travis, Tracy, Ashley, and Lindsey Navarra, Andrew and Matthew Gould, Gary and Robert Vogt; mother-in-law, Margaret Bangston; sister in law, Linda Gould; and her beloved fur babies, Tink and Rupert. She is preceded in death by parents, Tom and Bettie Gould and her husband, Jay Bangston.
Nancy was born in Tampa, Florida to Tom and Bettie Gould, on October 8, 1962. She grew up in South Tampa and graduated from Plant High School where she was involved in various clubs and also played trumpet in the school's marching band. Nancy established a career working at the University of South Florida as the Assistant Director of Operations for Fiscal and Business Administration, in the Mental Health Department of USF. She was approaching her 30 year mark of dedicated service to her career.
Nancy was a loving mother, sister, aunt, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, and a loyal friend to every person who came into her life. The love she had for her family was unmatched by anyone and will always be remembered for her beautiful smile and contagious laughter. Nancy always saw the bright side in every situation and was the first one there by your side to provide comfort and support to those around her. She spent free time on creative projects where she showed her amazing talent. She was a lover of all animals, especially rescue dogs, cats, turtles, fish, cows, and micro-pigs. Nancy also loved the outdoors and spent many hours camping, hiking, exploring, and just taking in the beauty of the world around her. Throughout the years, she loved to cook and bake where she made beautiful, homemade cakes for her children and grandchildren. She had such an adventurous spirit, often dreaming of travel.
A "Jane of all trades," Nancy could fix anything and didn't back down from any DIY task around her. She was self-reliant, independent, generous, humble, and a free spirit who always stood up for what was right. At the end of the day, she lived a simple, beautiful life surrounded by her family and friends. Her presence will truly be missed by all who loved her.
"There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains."
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her memory to Dogma Pet Rescue in Brandon online at www.dogmarescue.org or mailed directly to PO Box 6896, Brandon, Florida 33508.
A memorial service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 13th at Blount & Curry Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
