Nancy Jane Taylor, 82, of Hagerstown, Maryland, formerly of Annapolis, Maryland, and Wilmington, Delaware, died Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Hagerstown, Maryland. Nancy was born on November 6, 1943, in Wilmington, Delaware, the daughter of Margaret Taylor and Daniel Voshell Taylor. She graduated from Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, Delaware.
She worked as a bank teller after graduating from college and later worked as a night janitor at the Maryland State Capitol, a ticket taker at a cinema, and in various other jobs. Her hobbies included reading her Bible and spending time with her friends, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also loved to travel, play canasta, and pray for anyone in need.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Daniel and Margaret; her sister, Peggy Kirby; her husband, Robert “Bob” Swift; her eldest son, Rodney Swift; and her daughter, Esther Bright, with whom she is now reunited.
Nancy is survived by her brother, Daniel “Dan” Taylor; her children: Candace Swift of Seoul, South Korea; Deborah Swift of Nashville, Tennessee; Jonathan Swift of Hagerstown, Maryland; Robert Swift of Hagerstown, Maryland; Michael Swift of Kingwood, Texas; Daniel Diesel of Preston, Idaho; Rachel Swift of Hagerstown, Maryland; Benjamin Swift of Long Beach, California; Job Swift of Hanover, Pennsylvania; Hope Gill of New Freedom, Pennsylvania; and Adam Harvey of Severna Park, Maryland. She is also survived by her grandchildren: James Whitcomb, Bradley Swift, Ricky Bassford, Josh Bassford, Jessica Bright, Jathan Swift, Autumn Duran, Stephanie Swift, Alexandra “Alex” Swift, Malory Swift, PFC Russell Swift, Paxton Diesel, Amora Swift, Taylor Gill, and Alex Gill; and by her great-grandchildren, Damon Bassford and Raziel Bassford.
Nancy was born hard of hearing, attended a special school, and was passionate about supporting the deaf and blind communities. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Maryland School for the Deaf Foundation, P.O. Box 636, Frederick, MD 21705, or to a similar organization supporting the deaf and blind in your local community.
Nancy was a survivor of spousal abuse. She experienced homelessness and saw an America where too many politicians seemed more committed to self-interest than to solving problems such as affordability and homelessness. At the time of her passing, Nancy was a candidate in the Republican primary for Governor of Maryland, alongside her daughter Rachel as her running mate for Lieutenant Governor. Her family hopes you will support her Candidacy in the June primary as her name remains on the official ballot to bring awareness to these issues.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wed, May 27, 2026 at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home (3710 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE 19808). The viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Union Hill Cemetery in Kennet Square, PA on Thurs, May 28, 2026.
