Amy Thomasson Nast

Amy Thomasson Nast (nee Childrey) of Lighthouse Point, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026 at 57 years old, after a courageous and inspiring journey with pancreatic cancer. Born on December 16, 1968, in Lynchburg, Virginia, Amy lived a life defined by love, purpose, and deep connection.

She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband, Robert James Nast, and her cherished sons, Joshua James Nast and Joel Luther Nast, who were the center of her world. She is also survived by her parents, Candace O’Hern and John A. Childrey, Jr.; her brother, Sean O’Hern Childrey; her niece, Taylor Childrey, and her father-in-law, Bob Nast; sister-in-law Yvette Nast; brother-in-law Darren Nast. She now reunites with her beloved mother-in-law, Joan Nast, who preceded her in passing.

Amy embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. She found happiness in the outdoors—whether boating, snorkeling, camping, hiking, snow skiing, or most recently, flying alongside her husband, Bobby. Her time living in Vail, Colorado, was especially meaningful, where she taught high school for nine years and welcomed her first son, Joshua. Upon returning to South Florida, she completed her family with the birth of Joel, and together she and Bobby built a life rich in love, adventure, and shared experiences.

Known for her radiant warmth and generous spirit, Amy had a rare gift for making others feel truly seen, heard, and valued. Her laughter lit up every room, and her friendships were rooted in sincerity, compassion, and unwavering support.

Amy was deeply committed to serving others. She was an active supporter of the Nast family’s ministry, God’s Little Acres, where she gave her time and heart to bring comfort and joy to families facing serious illness. She also found great joy volunteering at Gumbo Limbo, especially during the release of hatchling sea turtles—an experience that reflected her love for nature and her nurturing spirit.

Her dedication to youth and leadership was evident through her lifelong involvement in scouting. A Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, Explorer Scout, and Scout leader, Amy helped guide a Boy Scout Troop in Deerfield Beach alongside Bobby, proudly watching both of her sons achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

Education was not just Amy’s profession—it was her calling. She earned a Bachelor of Education in Exceptional Childhood Education and a Master of Liberal Studies from Florida Atlantic University, focusing on advocacy for exceptional individuals. Over a remarkable 35-year career, she touched countless lives as an educator in Palm Beach and Broward counties, at Battle Mountain High School in Colorado, and for over two decades at Westglades Middle School in Parkland, Florida. Her excellence was recognized when she was named Teacher of the Year during the 2021–2022 school year.

Amy was especially passionate about supporting students with disabilities. As a support facilitator and later as a literacy coach, she uplifted both her students and fellow educators with patience, insight, and genuine care. Her impact extended far beyond the classroom, shaping lives with encouragement, understanding, and belief in every individual’s potential.

Amy’s life was a beautiful reflection of love in action—through her family, her service, her teaching, and her friendships. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the lessons she shared, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 12-1 PM on Saturday, April 25th at Glick Family Funeral Home in Boca Raton, where a Memorial Service will begin at 1:00 PM.  To watch the live stream of the Memorial Service please use the following link  Amy Nast Memorial Service

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the organizations that Amy loved and interests she advocated.

http://savetheseaturtle.org

http://turtlehospital.org

http://myboca.us/2755/Support-Us-Turtle-Adoptions-Donations

Proverbs 9:9

9 Teach the wise, and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous, and they will add their learning.

Proverbs 22:6

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it.