Nancy Harrelson "Nan" Lehmann

Nancy Harrelson Lehmann, 88, beloved mother, friend, and “Nana” to most left her family for her heavenly home on September 19, 2025. She was surrounded by love in Sanford, NC, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and strong sense of family.

Born on January 27, 1937, in Mullins, SC to JC and Louise Harrelson, Nan lived life with an energy and spark that lit up every room she entered. Nan was never one to sit quietly on the sidelines—her wit, humor, and zest for life made her the heartbeat of her family. She was known for the warmest hugs, love of shag dancing, and storytelling that kept everyone belly laughing.

Nan lived boldly, spoke her mind with a wink, and had a gift for making people laugh - often with a perfectly timed joke, a witty one-liner, or just her playful way of looking at the world. Whether she was dancing to beach music, buzzing around Sanford on two wheels, playing tennis with her girlfriends, or sneaking dessert before dinner, she had a way of making life fun. More than anything, she delighted in her daughters and grandchildren, pouring her heart into every moment and cheering them on in each season of life.

Nan and her husband of 60 years, Jim, devoted their lives to building their home. She had a special love for cooking, and her kitchen was the heart of her home. Family and friends could always count on her table being filled with made-from-scratch meals, her famous pound cake, and never a shortage of butter and sweet, sweet tea. She delighted in feeding others, and mealtimes centered around laughter and togetherness. Blessed with her close family, Nana’s table was always full; her home was always lively; and her arms were always open.

Nan is survived by her daughter, Susan (Tom); seven grandchildren: Clarke, Dare (Dakota), Alex (Garrett), Taylor (Cody), Madison, James, and Isabelle; and three great-grandchildren: Tommy, Eva, Vivienne, and soon-to-be Margaret. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and beautiful daughter, Lynne.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Gentiva Hospice and her kind caregivers who helped keep her comfortable at home.

A funeral service will be held at St. Luke UMC, 2916 Wicker Street, Sanford, NC, on Saturday, October 4th at 11:00am. In true Nan fashion, the family asks that stories, smiles, and maybe even a little dancing be shared in her honor.

Memorial contributions may be made to Easterseals - Lee County Group Home, 4334 Lee Ave, Sanford, NC 27332.