Larry Nance

Larry Nance was born August 6, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois to Cleve and Evette Marie Nance, both of whom preceded him in death. He was a proud product of the Westside, where he attended Nash Elementary School. Always a bright mind, Larry went to Lane Technical High School. Next, his love of learning led him to Loyola University where he majored in Communications and History. Larry became involved in campus politics, joining the Black Student Union, the anti-apartheid movement, and other campaigns for liberation. 

Larry defined himself as an artist/activist. He was a creative spirit who loved all art forms, and he spent his twenties and early thirties engaging in a wide range of artistic endeavors. He earned a fellowship to the Community Film Workshop and was a volunteer with the Black Light Film Festival. He gathered his artistic friends to write, produce, and perform shows for Cable Access ranging from funny skits to music videos to documentaries. He worked with Chocolate Chips Theatre Company, as a volunteer, then as paid staff and artist, and finally as a board member. He wrote a film column and interviewed other artists/activists for Unity Newspaper. He formed bands, writing and performing music of all genres, worked on additional film projects, and began doing work as a theatre sound designer. 

In 1997 he became an artistic associate with MPAACT (Ma’at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre), where he was the resident sound designer, developed and taught youth workshops, led fundraising efforts, and wrote, directed, and acted in several productions. In 2003, he returned to his early love of film, serving as a Digital Media instructor at Community Film Workshop, followed by the role of Media Programs Coordinator with Urban Solutions. Both roles saw him working with south and west side youth, developing and teaching classes, and producing student films. Larry began work at the Oak Park Public Library as a library assistant where he was later promoted to Branch Supervisor. There he brought all his passions to bear, facilitating discussions around Race and History, leading a workshop series on the Theatre of the Oppressed, and hosting a Writers’ Workshop Series. 

Larry was devoted to his family. After the tragic loss of his two oldest siblings, he helped care for their children and enjoyed exposing them to music, especially Prince. He was also a caregiver to his mother in her twilight years.  In 2002, he was thrilled by the birth of his only son. His joy at fatherhood was unmatched, and he eagerly exposed his son to all his loves - music, comics, justice, writing, and film. Larry volunteered at school events and supported his son in all his academic and artistic endeavors. 

Larry was passionate about the things he loved. He was a music connoisseur, enjoying everything from Sheena Easton’s Morning Train to Fishbone to John Coltrane. He loved small independent films and MCU blockbusters. He loved James Baldwin and a great game of Uno. An intellectual discussion of politics and a comical riff on everyday occurrences. He took pleasure in it all. 

Not long after his son’s birth, Larry discovered the welcoming congregation at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. He was drawn to its mission as a progressive faith community that actively fights for social transformation, embraces members of the LGBTQ+ community, and saw his being a practicing Buddhist as a strength. He became an active and enthusiastic member, serving numerous roles including Sexton, Senior and Junior Warden, member of the choir, and leader of St. Martin’s (of Austin) Repertory Theater. 

Larry made his transition on July 11, 2024, after a brief illness. In the days before his passing, he was visited by countless family, friends, and colleagues whom he touched with his kindness, humor, and giving spirit. Larry was preceded in death by his sister Debra Enos, brother Lithord Enos (Patricia), and stepbrother Matthew Nance. He leaves to cherish his memory aunt Florence Shumpert, brother Michael Enos, sister Michelle Morrow (Anthony), stepbrothers Terry and Jerry Nance, son Rahsaan Hamid Nance, nephews Dujuan, Tyrell, Ricky, Jared, Justin, and Sean, nieces Pascha and Tiffany, eleven great nieces and nephews, other loving family, his St. Martin’s Community, and countless friends.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options in Schiller Park, Illinois.