Cynthia Gough Nance

CLEMMONS – Mrs. Cynthia Gough Nance, 88, of Bingham Avenue, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem. She was born January 19, 1938, in Forsyth County to the late Charles William and Margaret Bell Gough.

Mrs. Nance lived a life marked by faith, compassion, and a genuine love for others, especially children. Growing up in the Hamptonville community, she developed the strong values of faith, family, and service that would remain the foundation of her life. She attended Flat Rock Baptist Church during her younger years and graduated from West Yadkin High School. With a love for learning and a desire to make a difference, she continued her education at Wake Forest University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in French.

Following graduation, Mrs. Nance returned to Yadkin County, where she began a rewarding career in education. She devoted ten years to teaching in the Yadkin County School District and another nine years in the Forsyth County School District. Throughout those years, she touched the lives of countless students, sharing not only her knowledge but also her encouragement, patience, and caring spirit.

As her journey continued, Mrs. Nance discovered what would become one of her greatest callings—nurturing and caring for young children. She opened a childcare center in Clemmons, where she lovingly helped guide little ones through some of their earliest and most important years. Whether in the classroom, the childcare center, or the church nursery, she found great purpose and joy in helping children learn, grow, and feel loved.

For Mrs. Nance, children truly were her raison d'être—her reason for being. While she held a special place in her heart for every child entrusted to her care, none were more precious than her own children and, most especially, her beloved grandchildren. They were among her life's greatest blessings, and the love she had for them was immeasurable. The memories she created, the lessons she shared, and the love she so freely gave will remain a treasured part of her family's lives.

Mrs. Nance was also a devoted member of Clemmons Presbyterian Church, and of the Forsyth County Old North State Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.), reflecting her appreciation for heritage, history, and service.

Above all, Mrs. Nance will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her servant's heart, and the lasting difference she made in the lives of so many. Hers was a life beautifully devoted to nurturing others, strengthening her family, and sharing kindness wherever she went. Although her earthly journey has come to an end, the love she planted in the hearts of her family, her students, and the many children she cared for will continue to grow for generations to come.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, Ted Nance in 2025; by her stepson, Michael Nance in 2021; and by her sister, Eleanor Gough Pardue in 2026.

Those left to cherish her memory include her blended family with her husband, Ted: daughters, Deena Cain (Jack) Hodges and Lisa Nance (Bobby) Styles; sons, David (Susan) Cain and Ernest Tevis “Tad” Nance III; daughter-in-law, Vickie Nance; grandchildren, Candace Cain Casey, Ashley Hodges (Gileno) Fonseca, Brock “Rocky” Cain, Max (Courtney) Pardon, Stephanie (Eric) Prim, and Ernest Tevis Nance IV (Brianna Austin); sister, Amanda Gough Allred; cousin, Charles (Margaret Ann) Bryant; nieces, Margaret Allred Finnerud and Christy (Rayford) Dobson; nephews, Jon (Elizabeth) Allred, Jason (Sherri) Pardue, Russell Pardue, Adam Pardue (Mickey Dobson); great-nieces and great-nephews, Rachel Dobson, Dillon (Lakan) Dobson, Nico Doorn, and Chase Allred; and great-grandchildren, Trey Casey, Jackson and Daniella Fonseca, and Gavin, Rylen, and Jaxyn Prim.

There will be a celebration of life held on Saturday November 14th at Flat Rock Baptist Church at 3pm. Prior to the service, there will be a visitation beginning at 2pm in the Flat Rock Church Sanctuary. 

A lifelong animal lover and advocate, Mrs. Nance requested that memorials be made to Forsyth Humane Society (memo - Unchain Winston) in memory of her beloved pets: Edgar, Bitsy, Fred, Bella-La, Tiger, Snowball, and numerous strays fed at her door.