Cordelia Hairston Nance, 85, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2020 at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital. She was born on September 21, 1935 in Winston-Salem, NC to Lankfell and Evelyn McCormick Hairston. Cordelia was a graduate of Atkins High School, class of 1953. She furthered her education at Winston-Salem Teachers College (now WSSU) receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Education and a Master's Degree from NC A&T State University. Cordelia taught in the Surry County School System and retired with over 30 years of service.

Cordelia was a lifelong member of Cleveland Avenue Christian Church (now Greater) where she served in many capacities. She was a member of the Diaconate Ministry, Co-Workers Club, Senior and Gospel Choirs, Christian Women's Fellowship and the Benevolent Committee.

Cordelia was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Oren Nance; and older sister, Delores Moore.

She leaves to cherish her memories her sisters, Lucy McLaurin, Rosamond Penn of Winston-Salem, NC and Olivia Wilson (James) of Charlotte, NC; her nephew,  Stanley Little who called her "Mom" and was the love of her life; nieces, Valerie Moore Chisom (Derek) Berkshires, Massachusetts, and Kimberly Wilson Nieto (Craig) Savannah, Georgia; nephews, Richard Newby, Columbus, Ohio, Alvin Hairston (Bertha) Grandview, Missouri, and Cedric McLaurin (Fiancé Tina Brumfield) Winston-Salem, NC; as well as great nieces and nephews; and a host of relatives and close friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Monday, October 19, 2020 at Russell Funeral Home.

Private funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 20, 2020. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.