Mrs. Nancy E. Breckenridge's Obituary
Mrs. Nancy E. Breckenridge entered into eternal rest on August 15, 2022.
Homegoing Service will be held in Wichita, KS on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church located at 1002 North Ohio Avenue, Wichita, KS 67214.
A Viewing/Wake will be held on Friday, September 9, 2022; time, 4-6pm at Jackson Mortuary, located at 1125 E. 13th Street N. Wichita, Kansas 67214.
Interment immediately following Homegoing services at Lakeview Cemetery at 12100 E 13TH ST N
Wichita, KS 67206
Nancy Elizabeth Breckenridge, was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma on June 7, 1933. She came into this world petite; and despite the nick name “Itty Bity” she presented a powerful and strong presence during her lifetime. On a Monday, in the early morning of August 15, 2022, she was welcomed by the King of Kings and entered eternal rest. Nancy E. was reared in a loving Christian home with her parents, Jewell Baker Clemons, and John Calvin (JC) Clemons. Nancy E. was the eldest of 11 children.
Growing up in Ardmore, Oklahoma, on “G” Street, Nancy would recall many childhood and family memories until her final days. As a Clemons, she was required to attend church each Sunday. She loved to attend with her family, and after church, enjoyed a huge Sunday meal prepared by her parents, both known as amazing chefs; some of their specialties being Fried Chicken and German Chocolate Cake. After Sunday dinners, Nancy and her siblings would listen to her father play gospel songs on the piano (by ear); and then watch the Lawrence Welk Show. Obviously, these are reasons that she would come to love music.
During her youth, she attended Dunbar Elementary and graduated from Douglas High School. Nancy was known as a high achiever in school and participated in many extracurricular activities. She loved singing, dancing, and music. On Fridays during football season, you could find her “kicking it high” as a majorette at her high school. Nancy was also honored by her classmates, who voted her as their Homecoming Queen. Known to be “feisty” and a protective Mama Bear of her loved ones, she was also known as a loving and caring individual who would extend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Upon high school graduation, Nancy chose to attend Langston University located in Langston, Oklahoma. There she pursued her passion as a Home Economics major. It was at Langston University, that Nancy Elizabeth Clemons met the love of her life, Lorenza Orrin Breckenridge, Sr.; a dual major student in Biology and Agriculture; and a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity man at that; and it was love at first sight. They remained married 64 years until his passing in 2018. Nancy shared with her daughters that she and cousin Ruth Breckenridge stayed up nights in their dormitory rooms talking about “those Breckenridge Boys and how smart and cute they” were. After Lorenza’s passing, Nancy spoke of him often and always said that she, “felt his presence protecting and watching over me” until the very end.
During this union, they welcomed four children and ultimately their spouses into their family circle: Lorraine (Lee); Loranda, “Doc” (Robert); Lorenza, Jr. (Carla); and Loren E. (Rrachelle). Sadly, her youngest son, Loren E. preceded her in death in 2021. Nancy also welcomed a bonus son, Charlie Alfred Wilson (Al), and his family as a loving mother. Sadly, Al also preceded her in death in 2019. In her beloved husband’s absence, Nancy continued as an outstanding grandmother to 19 and great-grandmother of 13.
Nancy E. believed in being an involved and very protective mother from the very beginning. She was known to have chased an unfriendly rooster around the yard for attacking one of her toddler daughters (Loranda, “Doc”). While she loved her “girls”, she never hesitated to protect her sons; especially when one of them (Lorenza, Jr.) was locked outside, by his loving sisters, on the front porch in his underwear. This prank never-ever happened again! Nancy served as room mother for all four children at Isley and Buckner Elementary Schools and participated and attended all PTA meetings! Her children felt proud watching their beautiful mother enter the classroom with those delicious homemade cupcakes and milk in hand. Nancy volunteered as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader/assistant. She drove her “boys” to their sports camps and her “girls” to their cheerleader camps and activities! She supervised Jack and Jill gatherings, supported each of her daughters in their beauty pageants and encouraged each child to complete their educational goals and life aspirations! She believed in and pursued her role as Mother very seriously.
As a dedicated wife she joined and supported her spouse at home and at work. While Lorenza, Sr. taught school, she was always supportive and became a member of the North High Wives’ Teacher’s Club. In 1971, Lorenza Sr. had a vision to start a construction company along with his wife, Nancy, and sons. In 1978, Breckco Construction Company became incorporated and pursued local, state, and federal contracts. In 1982 as a Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) contractor, Breckco Construction Company, Inc. (Breckco) received federal contracts. Breckco completed numerous projects in the community and beyond that remain visible in the state and local landscape. Among the first projects completed for the City of Wichita were renovations to Lawrence - Dumont Baseball Stadium and a picnic shelter and restroom building at Grove Park, several Wichita schools, as well as the Maya Angelou Library, Robert J. Dole Veteran’s Administrative Center, Saint Mark UMC Family Life Center, Greater St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church Family Life Center, and a new construction- Save-A-Lot Grocery Store on East 13th Street and Grove, to name a few. Nancy as Vice President and Lorenza Sr. as President of Breckco were regarded as trailblazers in the business community by many of their peers earning substantial goodwill from contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and many other businesses.
As a Grandmother, Nancy took pride in caring for each one of her grands. She was conscientious about treating each fairly, loved to cook and feed them, clothe them, gave them a little spending change, never missed giving Birthday and Christmas gifts and never turned down a request to babysit. Like her parents before her, she was well known for her culinary abilities. A holiday family meal was not complete without Nancy’s best homemade rolls and most delicious peach cobbler! She also loved ALL of her grand dogs, Starr Light, Sparky, Hazel, Lexie, Chloe, Rocky, Chiquita, Mecca, Ellie, Chopper, Thriller, and Jewels.
Upon retirement, Nancy was able to engage in her interests of reading, singing, doting on grandchildren, and to continue her commitment to attend Bible Study classes and church on Sundays. With Lorenza, Sr. her travels included an international trip to Acapulco, Mexico, and countless trips crisscrossing the country with the Golden Agers Club. She loved visiting her children, extended family, and friends.
As a Wichita community activist and server, Nancy Elizabeth Breckenridge was a 64-plus-years member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. There, she passionately served as a Deaconess and in support of and alongside her husband made home visits and gave communion to the sick and shut-in congregants. Nancy had memberships in the Esther, Ruth, and Lydia Circles at the church. She also served as a secretary to the Deaconess Board, Church Secretary, sang in the church choir, was a Church Mother, and required that her children attend Sunday School and Church each Sunday. She was characterized as a willing Servant of God in the church, serving on numerous church anniversary committees and “never said no to any requests to serve in her church”. She was also a member of the Wichita Chapter Jack and Jill of America, Inc.; an Alumna member of the Wichita (KS) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, having been inducted in 2001. Nancy was a very active member of the Urban League Guild, the women’s branch of The Wichita Urban League. She attended and supported every gala with her family and friends. The Urban League Guild was a very vital and active volunteer group in Wichita’s community.
Nancy has been highlighted in the Wichita Eagle and Beacon Newspaper on several occasions. She and her daughters were featured as a family of generationally elected beauty queens. She was noted in the same newspaper as a “good neighbor” who was also an amazing clothier. Nancy was also highlighted in the newspaper as a recognized co-owner of Breckco Construction, as well.
Last but certainly not least, Nancy was a Christian. She was a strong believer in the Word of God and loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her faith in God carried her through life’s challenges and triumphs. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 118:24; This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Nancy greeted each day with an expectancy of God’s goodness in her life. Her legacy of faith, love and trust lives on in her children and beyond.
Nancy Elizabeth Clemons Breckenridge, for those who called you wife, mother, sister, auntie, cousin, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, family, or friend, we will always LOVE and HONOR you. We will miss your warm and kind spiritual leadership that always wanted to “spread love”.
Remembering Nancy Elizabeth Breckenridge for an eternity are daughters— Dr. Lorraine Elizabeth Breckenridge-Sterling (Dr. Lee); Loranda Elaine Breckenridge Weikel, “Doc” (Robert); and son Lorenza Orrin Breckenridge, Jr. (Carla) and daughter-in-law, Rrachelle Renee’ Douglas Breckenridge. Also, remembering Nancy, a host of beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.
Her treasured surviving siblings are: Carol Woods (Andrew), Richmond, CA; Benny Clemons, Middle Village, NY; Larry Clemons (Brenda), Ardmore, OK; Jewelette Battle, Santa Clarita, CA; James Clemons (Doris), Philadelphia, PA; Karl Clemons (Donna) Mesquite, TX; Kerry Clemons (Tyra), Grand Prairie, TX.
Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Lorenza Orrin Breckenridge, Sr.; sons, Loren Eugene Breckenridge, Charlie Alfred Wilson (Al); parents, Mr. John and Mrs. Jewell Clemons; and siblings--Shirley Holmes, Raymond Clemons, and Alta Walker; finally, a cherished longtime friend, Dorothy Burdette; the mother of Rrachelle Breckenridge.
What’s your fondest memory of Nancy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Nancy?
Share a story where Nancy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Nancy you’ll never forget.
How did Nancy make you smile?