Nancy Jo (Clanton) Billups, age 75, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, in Olathe, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Hulda Clanton and her sister Patsy Good. Born on January 12, 1950, in Wichita, Kansas, she graduated from Wichita South High School in 1968, and attended Wichita State University as well as Pittsburg State University. Nancy lived a life marked by quiet strength, unwavering faith, and deep devotion to God, her family, and the church.
Nancy was the beloved wife of Dennis Billups. Married on August 30, 1969, they spent over 55 years together, building a life centered around love, prayer, and service. Each morning for years, Nancy and Dennis began their day in prayer—a testament to the spiritual foundation that guided their lives. Their shared faith was a cornerstone of their marriage and a source of strength through every season.
Nancy was a devoted mother to Timothy (Becky) and Rachel (Stephen), and a proud grandmother to TJ (Allison), Tyler (Hannah), Tobey, Simon, and Sam. Her joy multiplied with the arrival of great-grandchildren Everly, Truett, Riggs, Kaiden, Brynley, and Hudson (born just 8 days after her passing). She also cherished her extended family of three nieces, five nephews, three brothers-in-law, and two sisters-in-law.
A member of Messiah Baptist Church in Wichita, Kansas, for over 17 years and a member of Overland Park Baptist Church for over 29 years, Nancy found great fulfillment in worship and service. She loved taking notes during sermons and listening attentively to each message. Her favorite devotionals included “Streams in the Desert” and “My Utmost for His Highest”, which she read faithfully many times over. Nancy’s love for Christian music and hymns caused her to join the choir for several years. As she wrote in her Bible over Psalm 100, “I love to sing His praises, but I do believe it is a ‘joyful noise'”.
One of Nancy’s greatest joys in life was working with children. Her dedication to children’s ministry left an indelible mark on generations of young hearts. For over 30 years she and Dennis taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School (VBS) classes. It was Nancy’s love for teaching that motivated Dennis to get involved in teaching. Nancy loved to be creative—designing themed bulletin boards by the hundreds and cutting out hundreds of flannel graph figures (often enlisting help from her daughter and others). Her classroom was always a place of warmth where children felt seen and loved. Nancy especially enjoyed finding the child who was most shy, or most reserved, or seemed least a part of everything and making them feel special and noticed, encouraging them to participate with the others. After joining Overland Park Baptist, much to their surprise, Pastor Byars asked them to teach 4th grade Sunday School. They were thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to serve the Savior in this capacity and to influence young souls to the Savior. Nancy was so disappointed when they made the decision to stop teaching because of her health.
Nancy also had a heart for missions. Each year during the church’s missions conference, she opened her home to dozens of missionary families—offering them rest, encouragement, and hospitality rooted in grace. At Messiah Baptist, she and Dennis were part of the leadership team to assist the pastor during the annual missions conferences in planning dinners, placing missionaries in homes and scheduling appointments for auto service, vision and dental care. She also loved to tell people about Jesus. On a flight to California, she struck up a conversation with a woman setting next to her, and before landing, the woman accepted Jesus as her Savior.
She delighted in watching any sport or musical event that involved her grandchildren. Whether it was a game, recital, or play, Nancy was there—cheering proudly from the sidelines or audience (whether in person or virtual). Back when mobile phones were new, Nancy, not normally a person of the latest technology, greatly desired to have a phone. Her reason? So she could easily show off many pictures of her grandchildren (and eventually, her great-grandchildren).
Sewing was another passion that allowed Nancy to express her creativity while caring for others. Thousands of hours were spent at the sewing machine (despite the added pain it brought her), making and altering hundreds of articles of clothing for her family. Once she even made an entire suit for Dennis! Her life was spent in sacrifice and giving generously of herself. As a result, even though her time on earth is now complete, she continues to receive “fruit that abounds to her account” from the many investments she made in people throughout her life.
Nancy’s spirit was marked by kindness, compassion, and an enduring sense of peace. A true peacemaker with a gentle soul, she bore hardships quietly while leaning on God’s strength and grace—a truth reflected even on her license plate: “GRCE4ME.” She had a sweet tooth for chocolate, and a romantic heart that hoped each of her grandsons would find godly wives one day (so far so good!).
Nancy will be deeply missed by all who knew her—from family members who felt her unconditional love to friends who witnessed her steadfast faith. May her memory bring comfort to those who mourn her passing while celebrating the legacy she leaves behind. We know with full confidence and assurance from Scripture that she is even now standing in the presence of her Savior, free of pain and full of joy, waiting for all who also believe in the mighty name of Jesus alone for forgiveness of sins to join her in eternal life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Overland Park Baptist missions: https://overlandparkbaptist.
Nancy had such a sweet spirit about her. I admired her quiet manner and her great love for the Lord, Dennis and her family.