My first experience with Mrs. Nan Wise was so unforgettable! I had a work-related issue to solve; I received a job promotion and was relocating to Alex City. I was familiar with the town to an extent, but had never lived there. My new job started in two weeks, and I had no place to stay. I didn't know Mrs. Wise at all, but we had a friend in common in Percy Blackmon. Knowing about my present situation, he introduced me to Miss Nan, and she took over from there. "You are Percy's friend, so you are my friend, too. I have a house with just me to deal with, and you are welcome to stay here. When you movin' in?".

I stayed with Miss Nan for a year and a half before moving to my next job assignment, but because of her, whenever I was NEAR Alex City was enough reason to stop at my second home - Miss Nan's house. There I would get all types of counseling. Many stories of wisdom. Plenty of laughs. Shared memories. A lifetime of memories. All these things, wrapped up in a blanket of LOVE!!!

I stopped by Chatman's in June of this year for my monthly visit with Miss Nan. Usually, I would go directly to her room, and the staff knew who I was there to see. This time, however, I did not recognize any of the faces, so I went to the desk and said I was there to visit Miss Nan. That's when I found out about her passing.

I have been blessed to have Miss Nan call me family. I have never known someone so selfless and loving in all my life. Period! I am thankful for every second I was allowed to spend with her. The last time I was with her was on the day after her 101st birthday. I held her hand for the full visit, and she seemed to be at peace with God and all His wonderful Creation. 

It is so easy for me to talk about Miss Nan, but others can, also. If we ever come together, swapping Nan Wise stories will never end; like her, they will go on forever. Like her, they will be ordained by God, for they will be all about LOVE!!!!

RIP, Miss Nan! Until we meet again,I will always LOVE you!!!

Everett