Obituary - Nancy Jo Wright Tooker Duley

Duley, Nancy Jo Wright Tooker, 91, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2021. For several weeks, her family had gathered to be by her side. They and Nancy’s friends share the grief of her loss but also celebrate her long, vibrant and joyful life.

Nancy was predeceased by her father, Walter Wayne Wright; and her mother, Martha Wright Wright; her first husband, Robert (Bob) Howard Tooker; and her second husband, Dr. Robert (Red) Kingston Duley.

She is survived by her four children, Leslie Tooker Roberson (Stewart) and their children, Meredith Nusbaum (Chris) and Jeffrey; Christin Tooker Wood (Mory) and their children, Ty (Katy), Abigail, and Mason; David Tooker (Mary) and their children, Matthew and Sarah Elizabeth Graham (Parker); and Stephen Tooker (Ruth); her two stepchildren, Robert Duley (Kathy) and their children, Virginia, Chris Lane and Katie Pine (Jonny); and Michael Duley (Lisa) and their children, Michael and Caroline. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Nate Nusbaum, Lily Wood, Claire Nusbaum and Liam Wood; and four stepgreat-grandchildren, Tim Lane, Edwin Lane, Liam Lane, Emmeline Lane.

Nancy was born in New Kensington, Pa., on August 24, 1929. Her childhood roots were established in Maryville, Tenn., as the only child of Walt and Martha Wright. Nancy attended the University of Tennessee, was a proud member of Alpha Omicron Pi there, and graduated Beaver College (now Arcadia University) in Philadelphia with a degree in English. During her college years, she met Bob Tooker whom she married soon after graduation. As Bob’s career with Alcoa and Reynolds Metals would provide the family many opportunities, they lived in Atlanta, Chicago and Pittsburgh, before moving to Richmond in 1970. After Bob’s untimely death in 1978, Nancy married Red Duley in 1981. Red passed away in July 2020.

Along her life’s journey, Nancy was deeply involved in many community activities, including service as a volunteer with Richmond Public Schools and Retreat Hospital. She was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, the Huguenot Investment Club, the Country Club of Virginia, the Snooty Fox Club, The Tuckahoes Woman’s Club, the Junior League, The Daughters of the American Revolution and The Woman’s Club. Nancy and Red travelled extensively around the world before adopting Palm Desert, Calif., as their preferred second home.

Self-named “GG” (Gorgeous Grandmother) for reference by her extended family, Nancy was a spirited, energetic, loving matriarch. No one loved a party more than Nancy and she was honored to claim many close friends who enjoyed their time together. Nancy’s homes were always open and welcoming for entertaining and gatherings, and served as a home away from home for some teenagers (and adults) who would adopt her as a second mom. She derived much joy from her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she proudly extolled to anyone nearby.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers, including hospice providers, who supported Nancy at Spring Arbor in Henrico.

A private burial will be held for the family. Click Here to view the service. Nancy was an enthusiastic supporter of nearly two dozen charities. In that spirit, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, that contributions be made to a charity of your choice.