Nancy Elizabeth Hartness

In Loving Memory of Nancy E. Hartness

Nancy E. Hartness, age 64 of Woodstock, Georgia, passed away on January 22, 2026.

Born on February 23, 1961, in Atlanta, Georgia, she was the beloved daughter of the late Calvin and Wilma Hartness. She valued a strong work ethic infused with creativity, which she brought into her professional life as an interior design consultant and realtor.

Nancy was known for her charismatic charm, strong opinions, and unique sense of style. She cherished her friends and family, showing dedicated love and generosity to those around her.

Her passions included shark teeth hunting, admiring full moons, and enjoying a good screwdriver cocktail or a dirty martini. She was a social butterfly, always seeking engaging conversation and opportunities to make new friends.

A naturally competitive athlete, Nancy excelled in swimming, running, triathlons, and tennis, with pickleball being her sport of choice later in life. She was an avid player of strategic games such as chess, euchre, or Pai Gow poker.

She was also an enthusiastic sports fan, frequently watching tennis, baseball, and football live or on TV, often supporting her favorite teams - the Atlanta Falcons, Braves, and Georgia Tech. With her father as a coach, Nancy’s love of football was deeply rooted, sitting on his lap as he walked her through various plays of the game.

Her zest for life was contagious, and she delighted in thrilling experiences, like riding her favorite roller coaster on her birthday at amusement parks – always in the front seat, of course!

Exploring National Parks and natural wonders was a true passion for Nancy. She hiked the trails of Zion and the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, marveled at the waterfalls of Yosemite, strolled the boardwalks of Yellowstone, descended into the depths of the Grand Canyon, zipped through the canopies of Costa Rica, snorkeled the waters around the islands of St. Lucia, Eleuthera, the Greek Isles, and Puerto Rico, and enjoyed snow skiing in Colorado.

She loved all things water-related: lake life with jet skiing, floating, driftwood hunting, or kayaking, and beach life with wave surfing, sunbathing with a good book, bocci ball, snorkeling for that elusive fish, and swimming with the manatees.

Nancy had a special bond with animals, especially cats, with her favorite being Spook. She also adored all wildlife. In fact, she named the deer and bluebirds that visited her backyard.

A wonderful cook, Nancy enjoyed preparing family dinners, creating specialty dishes for the holidays, and making her delicious homemade lasagna to comfort loved ones going through difficult times.

Nancy's zest for life, her charismatic and generous nature, and her deep love for her family and friends will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Wilma Hartness; her brother, Tommy Hartness; her nephew, John Scott Hartness; and her brother-in-law, Marshall McCormick. She is survived by her brothers, Calvin Charles Hartness and James Alan Hartness, her sister, Kathleen (Hartness) McCormick, four nephews, and a niece.

No formal service will be held at this time. A Celebration of Life is planned, with details to be determined.