Okrapod/ Nancy Green Has Gone Home. Rest in Peace, Friend.

Posted on by May 27, 2019avatar

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Has this world been so kind to you that you should leave with regret? There are better things ahead than any we leave behind. C. S. Lewis

 

Many of you probably remember Okrapod who commented regularly at TWW. I want to thank a reader who alerted me to her passing. Okrapod was a wonderful person and quite sharp on issues regarding abuse. She had let it be known that she was suffering fro cancer. She also occasionally took extended breaks from commenting and then would return.

I often wonder what happens to people who disappear, especially the ones who appeared to enjoy TWW. However, I don’t want to be like some of these pastors who chase their former people all over the planet. I want people to know that they are welcome without feeling any obligation to check in.

So, when a kind reader sent this along, I was sad.

Dr. Nancy Hansbrough Green

January 19, 1934 – November 19, 2018

Winston-Salem

Dr. Nancy Hansbrough Green, 84, of Winston-Salem passed away Monday, November 19, 2018 at her residence. Her courage, keen mind, and strong faith will be greatly missed by her family. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Nancy was the older daughter of the late Roy Bailey Hansbrough and Pauline Kingston Hansbrough. She is survived by sister, Cherie Thames; daughter, Elizabeth Green; son, Graham Green; daughter-in-law, Shannon Hurley; grandchildren, Katie Sugg; Nancy Sugg; Garrison Green and Julia Green. A 1964 graduate of the University of Louisville Medical School, Dr. Green was a radiologist at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Smithfield, NC from 1970 until 1985. She then served as a rating board physician for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs until her retirement in 2002. Services will be held Sunday November 25th at 1:30 p.m. at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem. The family will receive visitors after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Society of Joseph of Arimathea at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 2575 Parkway Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com

Published in The News & Observer on Nov. 24, 2018

I would like to do something. So, if you comment about her, I will compile the comments and find a way to get them to her family. I bet they would love to hear from people at this time. I am also going through her comments and sending them along.

I loved to read her comments and I know many others did as well. I am richer because she came here and added her wit and wisdom to our discussion.

Here is her last comment at TWW.

What is the big deal about open vs closed communion? Our family are Episcopalians. We believe that the eucharist is a sacrament and we believe in the Real Presence but that is not identical to Orthodox or Roman or Lutheran ideas concerning communion. It also differs from Baptist or Presbyterian ideas.

I had grandkids in an LCMS school for 2+ years and attended school functions which were conflated with LCMS liturgy including communion. We did not, of course, participate and we behaved respectfully to their position in being able to determine who would and who would not participate with them in their church. I also would not take communion with the Baptists for the same reason, or with the Catholics nor would they allow me to.

Meanwhile at my church the rule for participation in communion is that one must be a baptized believer-period. Be they Lutheran or Baptist or whatever-trinitarian formula baptism-not baptized in the name of pine trees or day lilies. No doubt some would balk at the idea of the baptismal requirement.

But here is the thing: So What? One is not saved by Holy Communion alone; it is not one of the solas. No one is being denied salvation according to protestant theologies at any rate.

However, if the issue of open communion is a deal breaker then one ought to find a church that does that because, IMO, the ‘feel’ of a church can probably be ‘felt’ in this issue and if the ‘feel’ is wrong then there are sure to be other areas of disagreement. People need to either (a) adhere to some doctrinal position even when it is difficult to do so, or else (b) go with their gut even when they can’t totally justify their position rationally, or (c) both. But trying to get the other people to do it ‘my way’ or else, that just is not working.

I’m trying to figure out her first comment since she switched from Nancy to Okrapod to avoid getting confused with Nancy 2. If I figure it out. I will post it here.

RIP, Nancy. I, along with many here at TWW, look forward to seeing you one day soon.

Comments

Okrapod/ Nancy Green Has Gone Home. Rest in Peace, Friend. — 53 Comments


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    Oh my gosh. She lived right nearby. I never knew. And she is from Louisville, where my husband’s from. May the angels welcome her to Paradise. May the martyrs greet her on her way. May she rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.


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    1 sadly


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    Always liked her, she will be missed. Guess she knows everything now and knows what it’s like to stand face-to-face with Jesus.


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    I’ve been missing her input. She was often the voice of balance/reason when the discussion tilted too far to one side or the other.


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    I always enjoyed her sincere, well- reasoned opinions. So glad we can participate in this small tribute!


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    She was sharp and intelligent. I will miss her voice.


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    May God grant her rest in a place of verdure and light.


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    Nancy was such a blessing. I always benefitted from her comments. She was full of wisdom. I’m praying for her family. You never stop missing loved ones.


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    I always looked forward to Nancy’s comments. She had a way of bringing clarity to the issue at hand or asking questions that broadened the discussion. To some degree, I envy her. She is home. And I do look forward to meeting her there.


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    I am so grateful for these comments.


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    I.enjoyed her well thought out posts and have missed her input. May she Rest In Peace and Rise in Glory.


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    Nancy (that’s how she signed herself when I “met” her) was a very straightforward and clear-thinking commenter here on TWW. I, too, have been wondering where she went… Home, it turns out.

    Online “communities” are strange in a lot of ways. You feel like you get to know some of your fellow forum citizens after a while. Nancy seemed so solid and grounded, and yet still open. And she wanted to be sure she was understood, and that she understood your POV. How rare is that?!

    My condolences to her family and friends. Many of us here will miss her. I will.


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    I was always looking for Okrapod (Nancy’s) comments – they were well thought out and always offered me, a critter from a different Christian tradition, a clear window into a different way of thought. She will be missed here and by her family.


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    A little corner of Christendom known as The Wartburg Watch was always worth visiting when Okrapod was in town. We knew her as a sister in Christ, even across cyberspace … we benefited from the wisdom she gained in her long Christian journey … she encouraged us when we needed it; she corrected us when it was due … we loved her … we will miss her.


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    I, too, enjoyed Nancy’s well-worded comments. I am sure her intellectual and theological curiosities are being fully satisfied as she sits at the feet of her Heavenly Father.


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    I knew something was missing, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. It was Okrapod.

    She really did keep things balanced, and worked hard to understand and be understood.

    Rest eternal, dear soul.


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    I too, want to add my condolences to Okrapod’s family. About a year and a half ago when I belatedly posted about my wife’s passing she provided a special and very helpful note that was equal parts of Christian reassurance and medical insight. Yes, I also miss her very insightful comments.


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    roebuck,

    Well said!


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    Okrapod’s comments always gave me something to think over. She was wise and spoke with experience and a great understanding of human nature. She brought reason and reasonableness to every conversation. I miss her presence here.


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    okrapod… a one-of-a-kind name and person. so intelligent, wise, witty. she was very fun to read, and very thought-provoking.

    a real-life 3-d wake brings people together you haven’t seen in a long time. I notice the same here in this virtual wake. It’s good to hear from you, Jeannette Altes, Niteowl, dainca, Linn, and Niteowl.

    (although you may have been commenting and i just missed it :))


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    So many have said it well, but I too appreciated the wisdom, thoughfulness and reasonable tone Okrapod unfailingly presented. Even when she disagreed, or was sending a needed rebuke, (she gave me a few needed pokes) it was gentle, gracious and helpful. It is a wonderful thing how, even online, God gifts his body with the beautiful, mature elders we need. I miss you, Okrapod, and look forward to one day meeting you face to face. RIP, Nancy Green.


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    I’ve been wondering about the original Nancy for a while now. I miss her wisdom and her bluntness. I liked the way she always cut to the chase.


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    Although I joined TWW at a time when Dr. Green was commenting less often I remember laughing out loud the first time I saw her name – Okrapod! What fun. How original. And humble too; only someone confident in themselves chooses such a name. I suspect those words- fun, original, humble, confident- describe Dr. Green. Will miss her perspective here at TWW.


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    So sorry to hear of her passing but happy that she will no longer experience the pain of cancer and instead enjoy joy with Jesus in heaven.

    Until we meet again, Okrapod….we were blessed to have known you!


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    I have missed reading Okrapod’s wise and insightful posts. I am glad that she is with her Lord and that we will meet her (and Jesus) face-to-face someday.


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    Ken F (aka Tweed): I’ve been missing her input. She was often the voice of balance/reason when the discussion tilted too far to one side or the other.

    Same here Ken.
    May she awake to a goodly inheritance in Olam Ha-Ba…


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    I have been wondering about Okrapod/Nancy as she has been conspicuous by her absence. I, too, appreciated her comments for her wisdom, compassion, insight and pertinent anecdotes from her life experiences. My condolences to her family as they grieve her passing.

    Thank you, Dee, for letting us know.


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    I always appreciated Nancy/Okrapod’s comments. Her comments were knowledgable, straightforward and kind. I’m glad she is no longer suffering.


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    Will be missed. A sweet lady. Rest in peace dear one.


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    Back when I frequented this blog and participated in the comments, I always enjoyed Dr. Green’s comments and thinking. My condolences to her friends here, friends everywhere and her family.


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    Saddened to hear this news, but glad her suffering is over. She helped me out of the religious sand trap. Rest….


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    A dear sister in Christ, treasured and missed by people who never had the honor of meeting her. In her words here, Nancy always tried to meet people where they were. That takes generosity, compassion, and wisdom.


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    My condolences to her friends and family.


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    Dr.Green’s comments always gave me something to reflect on. I enjoyed her interaction on this forum.

    There are many who participate here that prove that critical thinking & Christianity are not mutually exclusive.

    Okrapod was one of them.


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    I’m sad to hear this. I knew she was ill and wondered if she was okay. She left quite a legacy. Her words were always full of wisdom.


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    (a.k.a. the 3rd Nancy)

    I only “spoke” with Okrapod a couple of times in the comments, and it was always a pleasure to interact with her. The few times she had a different opinion than the majority, she communicated in a thoughtful, evenhanded way that really contributed to the discussion, instead of the arguments that sometimes erupt. Nancy will be greatly missed, though I’m glad she is no longer suffering from cancer. May she rest in peace after a life well lived.


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    I remember her, she was very nice and a sharp lady. It’s been a long Tim since I posted anything. I am one of those who never have left your blog. I have been busy working for an incredible company. In fact I flew out to NC (Asheville) and Virginia this past month for work.


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    Shauna,

    Congratulations on your wonderful job, Shauna. So happy for you and your son!


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    Okrapod managed to leave a lasting impression on this site, which is an amazing feat. The topics discussed raise hurt and disappointment in those in church leadership, but Okrapod salved those wounds with kindness and love,

    I miss you.


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    She was encouraging and interesting. Thank you for updating, have been wondering about this neat and unique lady. She will be missed.


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    Okrapod’s comments were and still are missed by many, including yours truly. She ministered to me greatly during a period of searching for answers regarding spiritual abuse and the LORD used her mightily in helping many of us heal our hearts, minds, and souls.

    Okrapod’s strong faith and love for Jesus Christ touched many of our hearts. Praying for her family and friends as they miss their loved one.


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    I always looked forward to reading okrapod’s insightful comments. She will be sorely missed. 🙁


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    Been out of loop; so sad to hear; prayers for all of those mourning.


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    Sometimes in life someone comes along who “knows things”. She was one of them. One doesn’t have to have met them face to face to benefit from the seeds of wisdom they scatter. Nancy was one of them. I feel sad to know she will no longer be here.


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    Rest in peace, Nancy. We’ll miss you.


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    I’m so sorry to hear this, & yet glad her suffering is over. She was so often that reasonable voice, forged by being a Doctor & a thinking Christian for so long, just solid & grounded & experienced in life. You could tell she had earned the wisdom she had, through hard graft.

    She’ll be missed. I’m glad we got to hear.


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    Long time lurker coming out of lurking to remember Okrapod’s wit, kindness, and wisdom. The regular commenters on this site have been balm on a sore soul, and these comments are a lovely eulogy. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.


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    My condolences to the family. I always read carfully anything that Nancy/Okrapod/ Dr. Green posted, because she was articulate and thoughtful. Well done, faithful servant.

    But I often wondered how she came to decide on Okrapod for a name when Nancy got too confusing to keep. I do so love fried okra and seeing her handle made me think of lovely summer suppers.


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    Have not posted in a long time but occasionally still read here.
    Always read Okrapod’s posts. She was smart, kind, endearing and strong ! Always admired her will to keep learning, to keep moving forward, her love of grandchildren.
    My sincere sympathy to her family.


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    What a kind post in Nancy’s honor.


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    So well put and my sentiments as well.

    I don’t get the opportunity to read (and post) here at TWW as often as I’d like to but when I did/do I always enjoyed Nancy’s thought process and the way her faith and genuine love of God permeated her writing.

    She will be missed.

    I have been comforted by this verse in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 as we recently lost a dear loved one in our family to a very sudden (totally unexpected) brain aneurysm.

    Death is not the end. Nancy, I believe, now knows in full.

    Tears.

    “And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.”

    Linn:
    I, too, enjoyed Nancy’s well-worded comments. I am sure her intellectual and theological curiosities are being fully satisfied as she sits at the feet of her Heavenly Father.


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    Marie: What a kind post in Nancy’s honor.

    Indeed.