Nancy was born in North Carolina and grew up in the community of Atlantic, North Carolina. This small coastal town was the place she loved more than any of the other places she lived or visited in the world. She was known for her knowledge of the history of Eastern Carteret County and was recognized as an authoritative genealogist for her family.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University and her Masters Degree from the University of Florida. After moving to Nashville, Tennessee in 1979, she earned a degree in computer science from Nashville State. She then proceeded to a professional career as a programmer and systems analyst. She retired in 2007 and moved back to Winter Park, Florida where there was bright sun and no snow on the ground.

She married Rick (Eric C. O’Dell, Jr) in 1969 and is also survived by her two sons, Eric C. O’Dell III, (Joey) and Giles T. O’Dell (Lora). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Salem Powell and Zaia Clem O’Dell