Nancy Fowler Hanby

It is with a profound sense of loss that we announce the passing of Nancy Fowler Hanby, age 85, of Long Beach, Mississippi. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.

She is preceded in death by her devoted parents, James Donald Fowler and Frances Mae Troyer Fowler, who fostered her unerring spirit and zest for life.

Nancy leaves behind a legacy of warmth and affection cherished by her loving husband of 64 years, Retired Colonel James W. Hanby of Long Beach, MS; her daughters, Lisa L. Hill, Cindy A. Powell (Delma), and Tina M. Carothers (Russ); her sister, Judith Lauck of The Villages, FL; her grandchildren, Jesse L. Hill (Jeanna), Brittney N. Hill, Allison Ladner Owen, Justin W. Powell (Tabitha), Lauren E. Carothers, and Reese R. Carothers; as well as her great-grandchildren, Adler, Jude, Alex, Jack, Caroline, Collins, Hallie, and many nieces and nephews who will carry her memory in their hearts.

A native of Bellefontaine, Ohio, Nancy was a proud graduate of Bellefontaine High School. She embraced life with vigor, taking on new challenges and interests with an admirable spirit. She was a passionate golfer, serving as the President of Keesler's Ladies Golf Association for many years while also being an active member of both the Gulf Hills Ladies Golf Association and Gulf Coast Ladies Golf Association. Committed to her passions, Nancy lived and breathed the scarlet and gray as a die-hard Ohio State Buckeye fan, where game days were sacred, adorned with memorabilia and chants of O-H-I-O!

As a beloved military spouse, Nancy expertly embraced the life of service alongside her husband, Retired Colonel James W. Hanby, with whom she shared a loving bond for 64 remarkable years. Through countless moves and deployments, their partnership stood as a testament to their extraordinary love and resilience.

Nancy's vibrant spirit shone brightly in her many roles. A remarkable former blackjack dealer, she possessed an unwavering dedication to her family, earning the affectionate title of "Yahtzee Queen" amongst her loved ones. She was 50 years old when she ran her first marathon on the MS Gulf Coast! She lived each day with a sparkling enthusiasm, capturing the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her.

Her devotion to her family was evident in her unyielding support for her grandchildren, attending every sports game, gymnastics/dance recital, and theatrical performance with exuberance. From the front row and the vibrant sidelines, Nancy's loud cheers rang out, filling those moments with pride and love. Seeing her beloved grandchildren excel brought her immense joy, as she treasured her front row seat in their triumphs.

In honoring the cherished memory of Nancy Fowler Hanby, a visitation will be held at Trinity Methodist Church, located at 5007 Lawson Ave, Gulfport, MS, on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service from 2:00 PM, with a celebration of life to follow immediately after in the fellowship hall. A graveside service will take place on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Ave, Biloxi, MS, beginning at 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to Humane Society of South MS and National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Doctor Sean Kirby and Deaconess Hospice.