Nancy S. Hansford

Nancy Stephens Hansford, 77, of Newnan passed away at Southwest Christian Hospice on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 with her husband of 58 years, Maurice, by her side. Throughout her journey through Alzheimer’s, Maurice cared for Nancy in their home. Nanny, as she was affectionately called by her six grandchildren, lived for her family and loved cooking for them. Among her many specialties were pound cake, wedding cookies and Mississippi mud cake. Nancy made each birthday and holiday special, complete with table decorations and her cherished Christmas dishes. Nancy served God faithfully in every church she attended, especially Westside Christian Church in East Point where she prepared and served many meals, sang in the choir, served on the women’s board, and coordinated the kitchen at youth camp. At 70 years old, she retired from cooking and serving Wednesday night suppers for more than 100 of her fellow church members at First Christian Church of Tyrone. Though she shunned the spotlight, Nancy would share her piano playing talent when needed. She was a gifted seamstress, making beautiful clothes for her three daughters as well as costumes and cheerleading uniforms for school. Born in College Park, GA, on September 11, 1935, to Dorothy and Dan Stephens, Nancy graduated from College Park High School. She is survived by Maurice and their three daughters, Susie Deese and her husband, Alan (Rome, GA); Pattie Morton and her husband, Tony (Douglasville, GA); and Terry Gaines and her husband, David (Charlotte, NC); six grandchildren, Amy, Sarah, Rhett, Holly, Natalie and Eric; one great-grandchild, Jayden; three brothers, John Harris (Newnan, GA), Charles Stephens (Sasser, GA), and Herbert Stephens (Englewood, FL); and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her sister Ginny Ballard. Nancy was a stay-at-home mom until her eldest child went to college. Beginning in 1981, she worked alongside Maurice helping to build Hansford Insurance Agency where she was the bookkeeper and office manager. She loved traveling with Maurice, especially taking cruises and dressing in sequined formal wear. Trips to Jekyll Island, GA, with the entire family under one roof, were among her fondest memories. A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at First Christian Church in Tyrone on Friday, August 30, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. The Reverend Robert G. Tyler and Dr. Dan Roberts will officiate. Interment will follow at Holly Hill Memorial Park. The family will receive guests on Thursday, August 29, 2013 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Parrott Funeral Home in Fairburn (www.parrottfuneralhome.com). In lieu of flowers, memorials in Nancy’s name may be given to Southwest Christian Care, www.swchristiancare.org or 7225 Lester Road, Union City, GA 30291. The family would like to express its appreciation for the compassionate care provided by Crystal and Barbara of Southwest Christian Hospice throughout Nancy’s struggles with lung cancer and Alzheimer’s. Our sincerest thanks to caregivers Lori, Ansley and Melody for their kindness and gentleness toward Nancy.

Nancy S. Hansford

September 11, 1935 - August 27, 2013