Nancy Prestwood

Nancy Sage Prestwood, age 88, of Lenoir, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, surrounded by her children.

Born on January 22, 1938, in Stickleyville, Virginia, to the late William P. Sage, Sr. and Emmer Rasnic Sage, Nancy graduated from Pennington High School in 1955 and from Johnston Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1958. She devoted her career to caring for others as a registered nurse, working in hospitals across several states before retiring from Caldwell Memorial Hospital. She especially cherished her time in the Operating Room, where she felt she could make the greatest difference. A longtime member of Colliers United Methodist Church, Nancy found deep fulfillment in her faith and in the simple pleasures of life.

Her greatest joy was her family. She loved music and played both piano and organ with quiet delight. An accomplished baker, she was famous for her Cowboy Cookies, cheesecakes, and pound cakes, often filling orders for family and friends. She enjoyed canning, gardening, and was a devoted Atlanta Braves fan who rarely missed a game. Known for her honesty and quick wit, Nancy spoke her mind freely, a trait that made her both memorable and deeply loved.

She is survived by her three children, Lewis Scott “Buck” Prestwood and wife Sandra, Ward Gerdine “Hoss” Prestwood and wife Beth, and Paula Prestwood Kirkman and partner Johnny; four grandchildren, Abby Prestwood Hudgens and husband Brock, Katelyn “Katie” Victoria York and husband Josh, Cain Prestwood, and William Kirkman and fiancée Ally; and four great-grandchildren, Hank Hudgens, Poppy Hudgens, Finley York, and Charleston York. She is also survived by her brother, William P. Sage, Jr. and wife Ann, special niece Janice “Jan” Bumgarner, and many other nieces and nephews who held her dear.

Nancy will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her dedication as a nurse, her generous spirit in the kitchen, and the honest, strong personality that made her “Granny.”