89 year-old Arkansas woman reunited with beloved records 15 years after losing them

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KARK) — One 89 year-old Arkansas woman recently got a gift back she thought was lost forever.

Nancy Rorex, has worked for over forty years in backstage catering for different arenas around Arkansas. Along the way, she was able to hear various artists and collect vinyl records. 

“I didn't even like to cook. I didn't know what I was doing. I just enjoyed the music and the energy of it.” Rorex said. “There's some good music now but my heart is still in the '80s."

Rorex said that days after she retired, she got an unexpected call from a former co-worker about her lost collection that they found at a flea market. Rorex said the collection was lost while she was moving homes 15 years ago.

“She saw records that said 'Mom' and had something about catering and because she had worked here, she wondered if they were mine,” Rorex said. 

Rorex was able to get over 20 records back, many of them autographed by different artists and groups with personal messages written on them.

"They (vinyl records) represent a lot of fun and a challenge in my life because I didn't have a clue what I was doing when I started this," she said. 

Rorex said each one brings back different memories, including some with her family.

"Lionel Richie kissed me on the cheek," she said. "I remember my husband: We would sit and hold hands during Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton singing."

Rorex said she is thankful they were able to return to her and is getting help finding the others that are missing. 

“I think about how grateful I am to have all these wonderful memories."