Nancy J Mukes

Nancy Jane Couzens Mukes was born on July 17, 1934, in Dayton, Ohio, to Flossie L. and Willard A. Couzens and entered eternal rest on September 1, 2025, in McKinney TX. She was adopted into the loving Davis and Elizabeth Cochran Sr. family, where she gratuated from Dunbar High School. Her marriage to George Mukes Sr. blessed her with two daughters, Linda and Lisa.

Nancy began her career at The Ohio Bell Company, but her heart was called to nurture young minds. She went on to pursue a lifelong career in education, earning her associate’s degree in applied science from Sinclair Community College and later her Bachelor of Education from Central State University. For over forty years Nancy served the students of Dayton Public Schools with devotion, eventually becoming a Lead Preschool Teacher in the Early Childhood Education program. She was honored with a nomination for Teacher of the Year. Her work left a lasting impact on countless children, families, and fellow educators.

Nancy’s love for her family was steadfast. She was a devoted caregiver to her daughter Lisa until Lisa’s passing in 2013. In her later years, she was lovingly cared for by her daughter Linda, who remained by her side until the very end.

In Nancy’s presence, people felt at ease. She had a quiet grace that made others feel accepted just as they were—never judged, never pushed. Friends and family alike describe her as elegant, warm, and loving, carrying herself with effortless dignity. Nancy did not need to be loud to make a point. She had a way of giving you a look, offering a remark that seemed gentle at first, and without ever raising her voice you walked away thinking you have had a lovely conversation… and then realized you had been fully read.

Nancy cherished her family deeply, especially her grandchildren. She showed up for them in every way—whether making silly putty, tying on her apron to cook together, or creating “Gran Time” filled with crafts, laughter, and adventure. She nurtured their curiosity, often taking them to museums, instilling both knowledge and wonder. Each grandchild carries treasured stories of time spent with their Gran, who filled that role with joy, intention, and unwavering devotion.

She loved ceramics, pouring herself fully into each creation. Later in life, she discovered beading as a passion that opened a whole new world of creativity. Her family now wears her jewelry not only as adornment but as heirlooms, reminders of her spirit and love.

Her love of food extended far beyond sweets. She adored cooking shows — from the Food Network to whatever recipe made its way into the Dayton Daily News and later online. If a new dish caught her eye, the family could expect to see it on the dinner table by the weekend. Some of her culinary creations were cherished, others not so much. If you dared to ask Nancy to bring a specific dish to a family gathering, she would take it as a “suggestion” and bring what she wanted.

Deeply faithful she shared her time volunteering at her church communities The Ark in Dayton, OH and One Community Church in Texas. Nancy discovered and fell in love with the Parkinson’s Voice Project. There she joined the Intentional Singers and found strength in the community. The staff lovingly helped guide her with the changes she was experiencing with grace and understanding.
Nancy was loved, and she was loving. Her life was her legacy and those who knew her will carry that love--and those memories--forward, always.

She was proceeded in death by parents Flossie and Willard Couzens Sr., Davis and Elizabeth Cochran Sr., daughter Lisa Dillard, siblings Bettye Couzens, Loretta Candler, Julia Miller, Pearl Rogers, Geri Jenkins, Jayne Street, Shirley Sears, Brenda Couzens, Gloria Jean Hall, Willard (Pee Wee) Couzens Jr., Lonnie Height, Tonny Couzens and Robert (Spider) Cochran.

Surviving Nancy are her daughter Linda (John) Kimbley, grandchildren Anthony (Danielle) Waterhouse, Phillip Jones Jr., Victoria Dillard, Victor (Ashley) Dillard, Patrick Kimbley, Eric Moore and Charles Anderson, great-grandchildren DeCameron Waterhouse, Kaiden Kimbley, Kirah Kimbley and Kennedy Jones. Siblings Albert (Beverly) Cochran, Davis (Anita) Cochran, Alma Cochran, Sherri Lee, and Judy (Gregory) Parker. Special friends Bennieta Stansberry, Marina Pufpaff, Linda Clark, Erma Grant, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends she met along the road of her life.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 18 at 1:00 pm at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 4200 Germantown Pike, Dayton, OH 45417.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Parkinsons Voice Project at contact@parkinsonsvoiceproject.org