Janie L. "Cookie" Nance was born on August 2, 1935 in Phoenix, Arizona to Rev. Jesse D. & Frances L. (Wofford) Stepp. She passed from this life on February 13, 2008 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 72 years, 6 months & 11 days.

"Cookie" was a graduate of Bixby High School and had lived in the Bixby community most of her life. She moved late in life to be near several of her friends in the Eufaula Lake area. She was retired from her many years of working as the bookkeeper for Ramsey Chevrolet in Bixby. She grew up in and was affiliated with the Free Will Baptist Church. Some of her favorite times were on Saturday afternoons during football season as she cheered her beloved Oklahoma Sooners.

She married James Stephen "Steve" Nance on July 11, 1952 and after more than 51 years together, he preceded her in death on August 15, 2003. She was also preceded by 1 sister: JoAnn Taylor and her daughter-in-law; Ann Nance. She is survived by 1 son; Stephen Brace Nance of Bixby, 1 grandson; Jake Nance of Bixby and several other relatives and many good friends.