Nancy H. Shuman

Nancy White Hammonds Shuman: A Life of Faith, Family, and Inspiration
In Loving Memory of Nancy White Hammonds Shuman
Nancy White Hammonds Shuman (05/26/1959–11/03/2025) will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched. Her compassionate spirit and unwavering dedication to her family, friends, and faith community were evident in every aspect of her life. Nancy's warmth, resilience, and generosity left a lasting impression, inspiring those around her to live with kindness and purpose.
A Cherished Legacy
Nancy joined her Savior, Jesus Christ, in eternity on November 3, 2025. She was born on May 26, 1959, to R. Glenn Hammonds, M.D., and Virginia McBurnett Hammonds. Nancy was the granddaughter of Roy Dean and Vera Hammonds and of Roe David McBurnett Jr. and Mary Lindsay White McBurnett. She was also predeceased by her sisters, Virginia Hammonds Scott and Vera Lindsay Hammonds, and by her brother, Glenn Hammonds, Jr.
Nancy is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Edwin Arthur Shuman IV, as well as by her children, Michael Andrew Shuman (Meredith), Renee Shuman Byrd (Logan), and Robert Lindsay Shuman (Patti). She is also survived by nine grandchildren. In addition, Nancy is survived by her sister, Susan Hammonds-White, and many nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews.
Early Life and Education
Nancy grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, and attended Harpeth Hall School for Girls, where she was voted "most spiritual" in her senior superlatives. She attended the University of Virginia, where she met the love of her life, Ted Shuman. Nancy majored in English literature. She and Ted married in 1980 and welcomed their first child, Michael, in 1981.
The family lived for a time in Nashville, where Michael was cherished by his grandmother Gia, his great-grandmother Mary Lindsay McBurnett, and his great-godparents, Marie and Woody Wasson. Ted then joined the United States Navy, following the tradition of his naval ancestors, and the family spent years in various postings throughout the United States, including Newport, Rhode Island, and Oahu, Hawaii. They became particularly attached to the Norfolk-Virginia Beach area and lived there for a number of years. They welcomed two more children, Renee in 1989 and Robert in 1991.
Academic Pursuits and Career
Nancy continued her education, completing her UVA degree in 1997; she also was awarded two master's degrees from Regent University, one in Law and Public Policy in 2007 and one in Education 2009. She worked for a time as a teacher of home-bound students. She was also a proud member of MENSA from 1996 to present.
Strength in the Face of Adversity
Born with a congenital muscle issue that made walking or running difficult and exhausting, Nancy spent many years searching for answers. She eventually determined that her challenges were related to a specific genetic mutation. Nancy persistently sought treatments and medications to improve her quality of life. In her later years, she relied on a cane or walker, but she maintained a consistently hopeful attitude, accepting her limitations while remaining determined to do her best in spite of them.
Family and Home Life
Ted and Nancy left their beloved beach home in 2013 and relocated to a beautiful home in Annapolis, Maryland after Ted finished his PhD (ODU) and got his dream job at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Nancy loved their home surrounded by wildlife and lush trees and shrubs. Their home became a welcoming place for the entire family.
A Life Centered on Faith
Faith was central to Nancy and Ted's lives. Both converted to Catholicism in their early 40's and became active members of the parish of Mount Calvary Catholic Church in Baltimore. Nancy's daily life was grounded in faith; she spent hours in prayer, completely assured of Eternal Salvation through belief in Jesus Christ. She was particularly dedicated to the Blessed Mother Mary, with a deep and sustained interest in the lives of the saints. Nancy was also passionate about women's health education and volunteered within the pro-life movement for many years.
Passion for Learning and Artistry
Nancy was a voracious reader and a witty conversationalist who loved engaging in discussions about ideas. She and Ted enjoyed exploring philosophy and theology together. Nancy was most essentially an artist. She painted beautiful beach scenes and intricate butterflies and wrote novels and children's stories.
An Enduring Inspiration
Nancy leaves behind an amazing legacy for all who loved her. As a Christian, wife, mother, intellectual, artist, and writer, she led a life that inspires others to focus on the good, to persevere through hardship, and to never give up. She will be greatly missed by all who love her so dearly.
In lieu of sending flowers please make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
https://www.stjude.org/