Jackson Jambalaya

 Posted below is the obituary for Nancy King.  May she rest in peace. 

Born in Hutchinson, Kansas in 1949 to Edna L. Paton and Maurice Vernon “M.V” Johnson Nancy was the youngest of three daughters. Her family later moved to Houston, Texas. As a teen Nancy worked part-time at Kegg’s Candy and graduated from Bellaire High School in 1967. She briefly attended Texas Tech University, but her plans changed after a blind date with Bill King. They married in August of 1969 and spent their newlywed years at Texas A&M until Bill graduated.

Nancy and Bill moved to Houston, Texas in 1970 and soon began their family. They were blessed with two daughters Jenny and Emmie. Bill’s company transferred him to Jackson where they settled. In 1975 Bill left corporate life and founded Graduate Pest Control. Nancy sat at their kitchen table with a cigarette in hand, phone at her ear and diligently sold pest control service while Bill sprayed.

After the flood of ’79 they began to form a business plan for a neighborhood candy store. In October of 1980 Nancy founded Nandy’s Candy in Colonial Mart and kicked off the first of many holiday seasons. For several years they worked side by side while their businesses grew. In the early 2000s Nandy’s moved to its present location in Maywood Mart.

Nancy was passionate in supporting the Jackson community. She was active in many organizations during her life: Children’s Community Theater, Retail Confectioners International, Leadership Jackson, Millsaps Leadership Seminar, Jackson Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Jackson where she was the first female member, National Association of Women Business Owners, Jackson Symphony, Mississippi Craftmen’s Guild, Mississippi Business Finance Committee, Hinds County Democratic Women, Jackson Election Commission, Habitat for Humanity, Mistletoe Marketplace and several other organizations.

Nancy retired about a decade ago and enjoyed time with her four grandchildren, playing bridge, talking with friends near and far, dancing at weddings, going to physical therapy and sitting by her pool.

Preceded in death by her parents and sister Nettie Heinz (husband George), she is survived by her husband children and their families: Jenny King and Ted Baker of Memphis, TN with children Mary Lila and Mac, Emmie King and Spencer Beard of Wilmington, NC with sons Parker and Charlie, sister Janice Dawson (husband Jerry), several beloved nephews, nieces and many cousins.

Throughout her life, Nancy served as a mother figure and trusted friend to many Nandy’s employees, customers, family and friends, always taking the time to listen. She was a fearless leader and never missed an opportunity to remind others of their true worth. Along the way she never hesitated to help those in need.

Her family is deeply grateful to everyone who played a part in her care, especially the dedicated team at Vital Care, Genesis Physical Therapy and the team of loving professionals at Baptist Hospital.

Visitation with the family will be at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Jackson on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. A celebration of life service will be held at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Nancy’s favorite colors were RED, White and Blue. Please honor her by wearing these colors in celebration of her incredible life.

For many years Nancy was a passionate supporter and member of the Rotary Club of Jackson Mentor Scholarship program where she served annually on the Scholarship Committee. Every spring Nancy dedicated an entire weekend to interviewing applicants and helping select the most deserving recipients. In this role, Nancy truly embodied Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the following:

Tax-deductible contributions to support the Nancy V. King Rotary Club of Jackson Scholarship should be made by check payable to:

Jackson Rotary Club Charities, Inc.

P.O. Box 3807

Jackson, MS 39207-3807

Please add a memo note on the check: Nancy V. King

Northside Sun 1980