Nancy Joan Hennefer

Nancy Joan Hennefer, born August 24, 1939, in Washington, D.C., passed away on November 17, 2025 in Lexington, SC. A proud Washington native, Nancy grew up in the heart of the city she loved and later dedicated many meaningful years to her work with the District’s Office of Beautification. Her care for her community and her joy in seeing the city flourish were central parts of her life.

Nancy raised her eldest children in Forestville, Maryland, before later moving to Ocean City, New Jersey, where she raised her youngest son and lived for almost 20 years. She worked for the FAA in Atlantic City and finished her career with the FAA in Leesburg, VA. She cherished the friendships she made throughout every chapter of her life. She loved good food—especially her desserts—long conversations with friends and family, and hearing stories about her grandchildren. Nancy made friends wherever she went, whether in Washington, D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, or later at Hessler Heights and Oakleaf, where she found a warm and lively community. She delighted in music, singing at her church in Ocean City, and attending musicals whenever she could. She enjoyed traveling to Paris, Singapore, South America, and Lake Tahoe.

Later in life, Nancy married William “Bill” Hennefer, the love of her life, and the two shared a devoted marriage. She will be laid to rest with Bill at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date— an honorable and meaningful reunion.

Nancy was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose legacy continues through the family she adored. She is survived by her children:
• Robert Joseph Middleton and his wife Debra, and their children Thomas (Katie) and Shannon (Tyrell)

• David William Middleton and his wife Polly, and their children Abby, Mat, and Carly (Sean)

• John Joseph Middleton and his wife Elizabeth, and children Megan Mayes (Adrian)—and great-grandson Jaxon—and Madison Horne (Tanner), and Olivia Dunham

• James Michael Middleton, and his children Anna, Micah, Claire, Judah, Joshua, Susanna, Mercy, Zeke, Zack, Jedediah, and Nehemiah

Nancy was raised alongside her siblings Beverly (Dick) Cullers (deceased), Patricia (Steve) Yates, Sharon Foy, and John (Francis) Foy III. She spoke fondly of her childhood, always telling stories of playing on the playground her dad built. She was blessed with 13 nieces and nephews, as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

Nancy’s life was marked by dedication, resilience, and deep love for her family. She cherished every visit, every shared story, and every milestone in the generations that followed her. Her warmth, humor, strength, and spirited presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.