Nancy Young

JONESBORO – Nancy Kay Young, 81, of Jonesboro, passed away Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro with her family by her side. Nancy was born April 7, 1943, to parents Nola Bennett Yarbrough and Earl Yarbrough Sr. of Trumann.

She graduated from Trumann High School as valedictorian and then earned her Bachelor of Science and master's degrees at Arkansas State University. Nancy began her teaching career at Western Kentucky before moving back to Jonesboro to join the English Department at ASU. There she served on numerous departmental and university committees as well as being the academic advisor to many English majors over the years.

She also served on the Indian Board and as the chair of the 75th Anniversary Committee of Arkansas State. Nancy was a member of the American Association of University Professors. Nancy dedicated 51 years to teaching at Arkansas State University and touched many students' lives along the way.

As a student at Arkansas State, Nancy was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and later became an advisor to the local chapter at Arkansas State. She also served as the international chairman for regional meetings of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.

Nancy was also very active in the community. She was a lifetime member of Junior Auxiliary, a member of the AJ chapter of P.E.O., and served on the boards of both the Hart Association and the Foundation of Arts.

In addition to these activities, Nancy somehow found time to start an event-planning business with friends, which quickly grew into more than a hobby. Nancy's keen eye and great taste helped make that business a success.

But most of all, Nancy was a devoted mother and wife. Nancy married Joe Clay Young III in 1966 and they enjoyed 31 years as a couple before his death in 1994. Together, they raised two sons, Clay and Welby, of whom they were very proud, and created a beautiful life that included many, many friends from all parts of the world.

For many years, Nancy was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Jonesboro where she served as session board chair and also taught Sunday school. She became a member of First United Methodist Church 17 years ago and rarely missed an 11 a.m. traditional service where she sat with her children and grandchildren.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Yarbrough Sr., her husband, Joe Clay Young III, brothers, Kenneth Yarbrough, Dale Yarbrough and Earl Yarbrough, and her sister, Nina Yarbrough Whitlatch.

Nancy is survived by her sons Joe Clay Young IV and Welby Stuck Young. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Pamela Young, and grandchildren Bennett Elizabeth Young, Joe Clay Young V and Welby Cache Young.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church, 801 S. Main St., Jonesboro 72401, with funeral service following at noon. The Rev. Dr. Michael Roberts will officiate the services. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established an endowed scholarship in the name of Nancy Young; please send all memorial gifts to: Nancy Young Memorial Fund, ASU Foundation, P.O. Box 1990, State, University 72467.