Nancy Sue McCollough passed away on March 30, 2026.
Nancy was born on January 21, 1949, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and grew up in Eagle Grove, Iowa. She graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 1967 and Iowa Central Community College in 1969. She continued her education at the University of Northern Iowa and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Texas Tech University in 1971.
In June 1970, Nancy married Second Lieutenant Brian McCollough, beginning a life of partnership and adventure that took them to many places over the years, including Lubbock and San Antonio, Texas; Jacksonville, Arkansas; Clark Air Base in the Philippines; Beavercreek, Ohio; Sacramento, California; Stafford, Virginia; and Providence Forge, Virginia.
Nancy’s first and most cherished role was that of a devoted mother and homemaker. She was deeply committed to her children, supporting their academic, personal, and professional growth with steadfast encouragement, high expectations, and unwavering love. Her values of family, service, integrity, and community shaped the lives of her children, each of whom carries forward her example through their own commitments to leadership, education, and service. Nancy loved her granddaughter Abby beyond measure, looking forward to their check in calls and visits, including chances to share a recliner and tell stories.
In addition to her role at home, Nancy built a long and meaningful second career as a substitute teacher in the Stafford County Public School system, where she served for more than 30 years. Her professionalism, consistency, and care for students earned her the trust and respect of countless educators and administrators across the County. She was a familiar and welcome presence at Stafford Elementary School, Stafford Middle School, Brooke Point High School, and many other schools, and was well known and appreciated by generations of students.
In 1996, Nancy was honored with the JCPenney Northern Virginia Golden Rule Award for her service as a teacher’s assistant in a moderate mental needs classroom at Stafford Elementary School. This recognition reflected her compassion, patience, and dedication, qualities she demonstrated throughout her career in education.
Nancy loved being a part of her communities and appreciated being involved as a supporter, as well as making lifelong friendships through those activities. She was a devoted band parent for both Brooke Point High School and the Marching Virginians at Virginia Tech. Nancy attended numerous concerts, theatre productions, festivals, and athletic events to cheer others on and support them in their passions. Related to this, Nancy enjoyed supporting local businesses and friends with given skillsets and hobbies. Many flooring, lighting, plumbing, and yard projects were completed “with a little help from [her] friends.” Nancy was well known for her baby blankets, crocheted with love, and thoughtfully designed for each recipient. She looked forward to sharing these with others immensely.
Nancy’s personal interests included all kinds of music and sports. Over the years she attended many concerts with family including Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, and Rascal Flatts. Nancy loved cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Bears, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Texas Tech Red Raiders, the Iowa Hawkeyes, and the Virginia Tech Hokies.
Nancy is survived by her husband of more than five decades, Brian McCollough of Providence Forge, Virginia; her son, Christopher (Jennifer) McCollough of Cartersville, Georgia; her daughter, Megan McCollough of Fredericksburg, Virginia; and her granddaughter, Arlene “Abby” McCollough of Cartersville, Georgia. She is also survived by her brother, Bruce Iehl (Geoff Segebarth) of St. Petersburg, Florida, and her sister, Cynthia (Marion) Denger of Dows, Iowa. Additional survivors include Nancy’s nine beloved granddogs (Betty Lou, Gumdrop, Polly, C.C., Pooh Bear, Chewy, Maple, Slushee, and Hattie) and countless friends, neighbors, and relatives whom she held in the highest regard and were a key part of the joy in her life.
She was preceded in death by her son, Mathew McCollough of Washington, District of Columbia; her parents, Norman (“Bud”) and Millie Iehl of Eagle Grove, Iowa; and her beloved canine companions, Varmint, Phantom, Penelope, Cuddles, Jelly Bean, Shadow, and Cordial, who were faithful members of her family over the years.
Nancy will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her quiet strength, her lifelong commitment to education, and the many lives she touched with kindness, patience, and care.
A Memorial Service will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home, Williamsburg, Virginia on April 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Brooke Point High School Band or a local animal shelter of the donor’s choice. Donations to the Brooke Point High School Band may be made to: Brooke Point Band Boosters ℅ Tyler Thompson, Brooke Point High School, 1700 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22554.
