WHS - Nancy Orrison died Thursday morning, December 22, 2016 at The Newport nursing home after a year- long battle with melanoma cancer. She was 61 years old. She is now in heaven, where there is no pain or suffering with God who wipes every tear from her eyes. Nancy joins her beloved family members and friends who preceded her in death including her mother, Margaret Kelley Robertson, and her father, John Samuel Robertson. She is survived by her husband, Paul Orrison and their son, Connor Orrison; her sister, Peggy Woodall and her husband, Butch Woodall; her niece, Ashley Woodall, and her nephew, Brice Woodall, his wife Mirta and their son Mauricio. Nancy's cousins who were so loving and supportive of her are Belinda Hammond, Iris Dodson and Danny Robertson, and her sweet Aunt Eileen Walbert of Birmingham, Alabama shared her constant concern and love for her. Nancy was a lifelong resident of the Peninsula, a student of St. Andrew's school, and a graduate of Warwick High School. She received her Bachelor's degree in music education from James Madison Un., a master's degree in Special Education and a Doctorate in Special Education Administration from the College of William and Mary. Her love of children and those of special needs lead her to a 33 year career teaching her "special children" in the Newport News Public Schools from which she retired two years ago. Nancy loved and was devoted to her church, St. Andrew's Episcopal and especially to the children there. She taught Sunday School for many years, Sunday School for many years, taught and lead music for the annual area churches Bible School, helped with the Christmas pageants and other children's events at the church. She also served on the vestry and was a member of the "Daughters of the King". Nancy inherited a love of nature from her parents. She volunteered at the Virginia Living Museum where she spent many hours through the years sharing this love of "all things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small" Through the Boy Scouts, and with her husband and son, she continued to share her enjoyment of the outdoors on camping trips and scouting events. The family would like to thank all those who have been so thoughtful and kind to Nancy over the past year and especially during the last seven months at The Newport. The staff have been so kind and good to her, remembering how she loved hugs and kisses along with good medical care. The members and staff of St. Andrew's and other dear friends have showered her with visits, cards, flowers and milk shakes. Special thanks must go to Kathy Gray, our deacon, and to Cathy Frey and her Pastoral Care angels. Words aren't enough to express our gratitude for their love and attention.