Nancy Lee Crain Balton

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Visitation Schedule
First United Methodist Church
18 Jackson Street
Wilson, AR  72395
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
10:00 to 11:00 AM
Service Schedule
First United Methodist Church
18 Jackson Street
Wilson, AR  72395
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
11:00 AM
Cemetery
Bassett Cemetery
Hwy 61 South
Bassett, AR  72313
Memorial Contributions
First United Methodist Church
18 Jackson Street
Wilson, AR  72395
Nancy Lee Crain Balton

of Memphis, AR

August 27, 1935 - May 24, 2018

Nancy Lee Crain Balton, 82, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on May 24, 2018. Nancy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who served others humbly, with compassion, and filled with grace. She was strongly devoted in her faith and a lifelong member of the Wilson United Methodist Church where she played the organ for many years.

She was born on August 27, 1935, in Wilson, Arkansas, to the late Mary Edith Siler and John Enochs Crain. Nancy was raised in Wilson, where she lived for 80 years. She attended Ward Belmont in Nashville and graduated from Hutchison School in Memphis.

She married John Collins ''Jake'' Balton on December 29, 1953, and shortly thereafter began her first job as a florist at the Peabody Hotel. Later, she attended Memphis State University and received an Associate of Arts degree from the Mississippi County Community College.

Nancy spent much of her life as a devoted public servant, working hard to improve the lives of those in Mississippi County, Arkansas, a place so dear to her heart. She participated in numerous local, state, and national political campaigns. Nancy served as an Arkansas State Legislator from 1984-1990 and was a member of the Agriculture and Transportation Committees.

Nancy lived by a favorite quote, ''Through sincere participation in promoting meaningful concepts and ideas, many people's lives can be improved.'' In her dedication to serving others, she held leadership positions in several Arkansas educational and healthcare organizations: Methodist Children's Home Trustee; George W. Jackson and Mississippi County Mental Health Centers; Arkansas Cancer Research Foundation; Chairman of the Board of Mississippi County Community College; Arkansas Northeastern College Foundation; Arkansas State University Foundation Board and Chancellor Group; and Arkansas Economic Education Board

With her passion for agriculture, Nancy tirelessly worked with the family agricultural businesses, and was a supporter of Farm Bureau, Arkansas Rice Council, and Cache River flood control.

Nancy adored family gatherings during holidays, her dear friends, and the special PEO Sisterhood. She enjoyed sporting events, especially football and basketball, sunsets, and the vast outdoors. Nancy loved sharing with her grandchildren her affection for agriculture, horses, watersports, and, yes, politically provoking discussions. She found time to travel and maintain the beautiful home she built with Jake in Wilson, which was truly her favorite place. Nancy's solid faith and character were molded by the trials she experienced in life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Collins ''Jake'' Balton; her son, James Crain Balton; her brother, John Enochs Crain, Jr.; and her sisters, Judy Crain Benten, and Susan Crain Railsback.

Nancy is survived by her daughter Rebecca Balton Long (Christopher); grandchildren, Nancy ''Christie'' Long Montgomery (Vance) and James Balton Long; her sister,
MaryAnn Rose Williams, of Blytheville, AR; and many nieces and nephews. Nancy remained close to Lundie Biggerstaff, Crain's wife at the time of his death.

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3 Condolence(s)
Wanda hartz
Stuttgart, AR
Liked
Friday, June 1, 2018

Was so sorry to read Nancy’s obituary She was such a great friend. I had not seen her since our friend Myra’s funeral. My thoughts are with all the family. Wish I had known in time to attend her service.

Lilburn W. Lib Carlisle
Benton, AR
Liked
Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Rebecca, I was sadden when I picked up my paper and read that my dear friend, Nancy, had passed away. A long time ago we worked together to better Arkansas. Her humor will never be forgotten. I remember she loved her God, Family and her town of Wilson and the State of Arkansas. My life has been bettered/blessed by working with her. Thinking of you and your family during this time in your life.

Lilburn W. Lib Carlisle

Clay Bradford
Jonesboro, AR
Liked
Sunday, May 27, 2018

My thoughts and prayers and condolences go out to Rebecca, Chris, James and Christie. Ms Nancy is and was one of the finest women I ever had the privilege of knowing. She was a very great lady. I am a better man from having known her. I know now she is in a better place and at peace. May the Lord strengthen you and comfort you at this time.
My deepest sympathies,
Clay Bradford