SPARTANBURG. S.C. — Nancy Bates Dowling, 86, of Spartanburg, SC passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2024. She was born in DeKalb, IL on March 7,1938 to the late Clarice Hall and Ralph John Bates. 

After attending and graduating from Mt. St. Clare Academy and Illinois State University, Nancy earned her master’s in education from the University of South Carolina. For over 25 years, Nancy taught primarily 2nd grade in Spartanburg School District 7. After retirement she was an education professor at North Greenville University in Tigerville, SC.

She was a member of St. Theresa Circle, The Literary Guild, and Fruit & Flower Garden Club. She was also a board member emeritus of Ballet Spartanburg and a volunteer with Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Hospice and Mobile Meals of Spartanburg. Nancy was an active and devoted member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church for over 57 years. 

Nancy is survived by her son, Craig Bates Dowling (Linda Bierworth) of Peachtree City, GA and their daughter, Natalie Grace Dowling of Greenville, SC; and daughter-in-law, Tracey Kellner Dowling of Toano, VA and her daughter, Morgan Dowling Merline (Marshall) of Greenville, SC. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Brett John Dowling, on November 5, 2023. 

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, October 25, 2024 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Historic Church in Spartanburg.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at the St. James Calvary Cemetery, Lee, IL with Father Okoro officiating. 

In honor of Nancy, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church or to Spartanburg Regional Hospice.

Local arrangements handled by Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th St., Rochelle with an online guest book at www.UngerHorner.com