Nancy was born to Joseph and Dorothy Erickson, where she lived on a farm between Wahoo and Ceresco, NE. Nancy contracted poliomyelitis at the age of six, and after ten months in an iron lung, Nancy’s parents drove her to Warm Springs, Georgia for treatment. The entire community of family and friends rallied around Nancy to insure she received the best treatment, the best education, and the most love. Nancy never asked, “Why me?” or said, “It’s just not fair.” She accepted her situation and created an extraordinary life for herself.
Nancy’s educational accomplishments included her Undergraduate Degree from Midland Lutheran College, Fremont, NE, with degrees in psychology and sociology; a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; and her Master’s Degree of Divinity from Yale University, New Haven, CT.
Throughout her career, Nancy worked in a variety of positions where she fought for socially just treatment of the disenfranchised and individuals with disabilities. She earned many awards for her services to the community, including the “Valiant Nebraskan Award” from the Nebraska Easter Seal Society, the “Service to Mankind Award” from the Mid-Town Sertoma Club, and the “End Hunger Award” from the Nebraska Pantry Network of Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska. Appointments made to her by past governors of Nebraska included the Governor’s Committee for Employment of the Handicapped, the Public Buildings Safety Advisory Committee, and the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission.
Nancy’s work at the local, state, and national levels led to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. Lincoln and the country now have curb cuts, elevators, accessible water fountains, Handi-Vans etc. She ended her career of service as an Associate Pastor at First Plymouth Congregational Church from 2004 to 2017. Nancy’s life was a testament to the biblical verse of Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Nancy is survived by her husband, Aaron Gibbs; brother Bill Erickson (Kris), Lincoln; sister, Joan Erickson (Brian Husby), Greeley, CO; Bill’s children, Ellie Erickson (Lindsay Smith), Austin, TX; AnnieLaurie Erickson (Patch Somerville), New Orleans, LA; Conor DoRan, Lincoln; Joan’s children, Aaron Rankin, Houston, TX; Jonathan Rankin (Carrie), Concord, MA, and Hannah Rankin (Billy Alexander), North Aurora, IL; and Mason Husby of Richmond, VA, step-nephew; five great nieces and nephews (Sonny, Lenny, Cooper, Leah, and Micaela), as well as a host of extended family, former colleagues, and friends.
Memorials in lieu of flowers to Fresh Start, a transitional home for women moving out of homelessness, 6433 Havelock Ave, Lincoln, NE 68507, and the Women’s Scholarship Fund of the Board of Women’s Ministries at First- Plymouth United Church of Christ, 2000 D St., Lincoln, NE 68502.
A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 1st at First-Plymouth Church, 2000 ‘D’ Street.