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Nancy Riggs Abernathy
1934 - 2019
Nancy Riggs Abernathy
1934 - 2019
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Nancy Abernathy Obituary
Memphis, TN
Nancy Riggs Abernathy died at home at the age of 85 on April 14, 2019. She was born in Mountain City, TN on February 8, 1934 to Dr. James and Sue Riggs. After graduating from Messick High School in 1952 and attending Memphis State University she married Taylor Abernathy, her high school sweetheart. During the marriage that lasted almost 65 years they raised two sons, Taylor and Lee.
Nancy was a kind, gentle soul and a caring and encouraging wife, mother and grandmother. She was a wonderful home maker and loved her many pets. She enjoyed fishing and collecting a wide range of things. She was active with the Mid-South Peace & Justice Center for many years where she was involved in grassroots efforts to mobilize in support of racial justice and nuclear non-proliferation. The Center has always remained close to her heart.
In addition to her husband and sons, Nancy leaves behind two brothers (Hugh and Ray Clark) and a sister (Sally Derr) along with two daughters-in-law (Amy Abernathy and Kathy Abernathy), four granddaughters and three grandsons-in-law.
She donated her body to the Genesis Foundation in hopes of helping others. A memorial service will be held at a future date. The world was a better place with her in it and she will be truly missed.
The family requests that, in Nancy's honor, memorial donations be sent to the Mid-South Peace & Justice Center at 3573 Southern Ave, Memphis, TN 38111.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Susan Russell
June 19, 2019
I'm sorry to be so late in offering my condolences to Taylor and the whole family. I remember Nancy as a lovely, gracious and fun-loving woman. I have fond memories of our canoe trip with several friends. Nancy and Taylor, when we completed the trip, were the only ones who had not overturned. What a team! May you keep her alive in memory by talking about her often and sharing wonderful stories of her life. If you have already had her memorial service, I'm sorry to have missed it.
Linda Pludra
June 19, 2019
My sincere sympathy and condolences to the Abernathy family.
David Norvell
June 19, 2019
Taylor,
Thoughts and prayers to you during this difficult
and painful time.
Linda Coppage Spurrier
June 19, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with Capt Taylor and his family. A lovely family. Flew many trips with Father and son. Linda Coppage Spurrier
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April 25, 2019
For whatever reason, and now I know why, Nancy was on my heart today, and I googled her. She was best friends with my mother, Norma Lee, in high school and reconnected later in life. Nancy and Taylor were always good to me. ay God comfort Taylor and family. I have not spoken to Nancy and Taylor in about 10 year since my on passed away.
Dixie Taylor
Longwood, FL.
April 25, 2019
Please accept my condolences. During this time of loss it is comforting to know how much God cares. 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
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