Nancy Bateman Morris Prior , 76, died April 30, 2024 in Venice, Florida

Preceded in death by her parents Margaret O'Shaughnessy Morris and Thomas Bateman Morris, oldest brother Thomas B. Morris Jr., aunt Muriel "Petey" and uncle Joe O'Shaughnessy, who raised her from the age of six as one of their own.

Survived by husband Gary Prior, children Sgt. Joe Prior and Julie (Joel) Heseman; siblings Jerry (Carole) Morris, Ellen (Bill) Roebuck, and Joe (Pat) Morris, sister-in-law Ann Morris, and cousin "siblings" Sally O'Shaughnessy Sherman and Jerry (Jane) O'Shaughnessy; multiple cousins from the Morris and O'Shaughnessy families, as well as many members of the Prior family.

A graduate of The Ohio State University, Nancy worked for many years at J. Walter Thompson Advertising Co. in Chicago, and was introduced to Gary Prior by mutual friends. They were married in Highlands, N.C., on August 23, 1975.

Nancy's interests outside of work were family, both her own children as well as children of her extended family, friends, of which there are many, including striking up friendships and conversations with strangers — no one was a stranger very long to Nancy — volunteering and fundraising for her children's schools, and other causes. Her formidable energy and commitment were legend. Nancy was always walking fast --- way ahead of sister/cousin Sally. She also enjoyed that Morris family obsession — golf. Nancy also loved the farm they owned in Wisconsin, not only because it had a golf course close by but also because of its beauty and peacefulness. Nancy loved country music, and she loved horses, including her favorite, Foxy. She also enjoyed the company of many family dogs, too numerous to mention.

She particularly loved, and was loved by, her numerous nieces and nephews in the Morris, O'Shaughnessy, and Prior families, and the children of her friends, many of whom attended a celebration of her life August in Chicago, where Nancy and Gary lived for many years.

Another private family memorial celebration will be held in Columbus in October.

Arrangements for the Columbus memorial celebration by O'SHAUGHNESSY CO., please call 614-221-2311 with any questions.

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