Nancy Pierce Brown Van Wie

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. | Nancy Pierce Brown Van Wie, 89, of Myrtle Beach, (formerly of Lexington, N.C.) passed away Friday, Dec. 23, 2011, after a long and gracious life. A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Jan. 2, 2012, at Davidson Funeral Home, with visitation after the service. She was born Sept. 24, 1922, in Hallsboro, N.C. She was the daughter of Wade Hampton Pierce and Halena Maultsby Pierce, both deceased. She is survived by her husband, William H. “W.H.” Van Wie of Myrtle Beach. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Dr. E. Lawson Brown of Lexington. Nancy was a gracious and lovely woman with a gentle and caring nature. She and her first husband, Lawson, shared a wonderful home rearing four children in Nebo, Kings Mountain and then Lexington. They shared many years together, spending their vacations with family and friends, often in Myrtle Beach. After Lawson’s death in 1985, Nancy spent more time at Myrtle Beach where she eventually met W.H. Van Wie, whom she married June 8, 1996. An accomplished artist, Nancy taught tole painting in Lexington for a number of years. Her paintings, especially her oriental fire screens, are treasured by her children. She was also a member of the Dunes Golf and Beach Club where she continued her social activities, especially bridge. At the time of her death, she was a loyal member of the First Presbyterian Church in Myrtle Beach. After her marriage to W.H., she enjoyed traveling and a loving companionship, which enriched their lives. In addition to their love, W.H. and Nancy shared their talents for painting, especially accent furniture pieces, true treasures for the families. Survivors other than her husband are children Mary Ann Singer (whose husband, Richard G. Singer, is deceased), of Raleigh, E. Lawson Brown Jr. and wife Lou Ann of Burlington, John Bennett Brown and wife Deonna of Lexington and Holly Brown Curry and husband Scott of Lexington. She is also survived by the following grandchildren: Laura Singer (Trip) Park of Charlotte, Anna Singer of Raleigh, Lila Pierce Brown of Snow Camp, Kevin (Diana) Brown of Garner, Taylor Brown, Andrew Curry and William Curry of Lexington and several great-grandchildren. She is also survived by the children of W.H. Van Wie: Roger Van Wie of Sarasota, Fla., Camille (Spike) Metts of Charleston, S.C., Jeff (Annette) Van Wie and Deborah V. (Ray) Floyd of Myrtle Beach, S.C. The families wish to express a special thanks to Dr. Goldberg and Dr. Reynolds and their staffs for their compassionate care and attention to Nancy during her last years. The family would like to add a special thank you to Terrie Chriscoe for her devoted care and service during Nancy’s last weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Dr. E. Lawson Brown Scholarship Fund at Davidson County Community College, P.O. Box 1287, Lexington, NC 27293 or the Building Fund at the First Presbyterian Church, 1300 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.