It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Nancy Rae Southard.
Nancy Rae Southard, age 75, of Upper Township, NJ left us peacefully on January 1, 2026 for eternity with her Heavenly Father.
Nancy was born in Camden, NJ to Robert and Rae Young. She and mother and her shared a very special and unbreakable bond. She was raised in Somers Point and Ocean City, NJ with her four brothers and enjoyed time at the beach with her cousins Scott, Phyllis, Lynn, and Lois. After seven years of dating, in 1973 she married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Ken Southard of Marmora, NJ. Married for 52 years, they raised four children in Ocean City and Upper Township.
Nancy graduated from Ocean City High School and the University of Delaware. She was a teacher at Lower Cape May and Ocean City School Districts. She loved to bodysurf at the beach and explore by canoe the Great Egg Harbor Bay and Tuckahoe River. She would often take her children and dogs Frisky, Max, and Lola on adventures all throughout these waterways where they all fully enjoyed the marvel of our Lord’s creations.
Most importantly, Nancy was devoted to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as her faith and family were the absolute foundations of her life. Her favorite scripture is from Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” She loved to share God’s Love through her faith with her family and friends. Her dear friend Sandy Simpson introduced her to Praise Tabernacle Church in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Nancy became an early and active member where she loved to share in ministry and fellowship with the congregation. She left a loving impact on all who knew her.
Nancy is survived by her husband Ken; their four children: Christopher (Bernadette), Michael (Allison), Julie, and Justin (Christina); her brothers: Robert (Taimi), Ronald, and Randall (Michelle); and her nine grandchildren: Ryan, Mary Ellen, Jack, Mary Theresa, Christopher, Michael, Madeline, Oliver, and Claire.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Rae Young, her sister in law Beth Young (husband of Ronald), her brother Richard Young and his wife Susan Young, and her grandson Richard Kenneth Southard.
A viewing will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 10:00-11:15 followed by a memorial and worship service at Praise Tabernacle located at 2235 Ocean Heights Avenue in Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234. Interment to immediately follow at Seaside Cemetery in Upper Township.
Those who desire may send a memorial contribution in Nancy’s name to Praise Tabernacle, 2235 Ocean Heights Ave., Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234.
Arrangements are by The Godfrey Funeral Home of Palermo. For condolences to the family, visit www.godfreyfuneralhome.com