Nancy Underwood "Nan Nan" Young

CHARLOTTE – Nancy Abernethy Underwood Young was born on July 1, 1941, in Charlotte, North Carolina-a city she loved deeply and always considered home. Nancy's Charlotte childhood was filled with laughter, fun, and close friendships, spending her days playing by the small lake near her home in Carmel Park with her three brothers and a wide circle of dear friends who remained close throughout her life.

From an early age, Nancy possessed immense warmth and profound kindness that drew people to her. She always had a huge smile on her face that lit up every room she entered. At East Mecklenburg High School, she emerged as a student leader, serving on Student Council and playing basketball. She carried herself with grace and compassion, yet humbly unaware of just how brightly her intelligence, humor, and beauty shone to those around her.

Nancy attended Agnes Scott College, where her lifelong love of literature and history flourished. One favorite story she often shared was meeting poet Robert Frost. During an English class discussion of Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, Nancy offered her interpretation that the poem meant exactly what it described-walking down a snowy road. When her professor disagreed, Robert Frost himself affirmed that Nancy was right. It was a moment that perfectly reflected her thoughtful insight and keen intellect.

After college, Nancy devoted her career to helping others, beginning as a social worker with the Children's Home Society. She was deeply committed to children and families. She took great pride in helping children find loving, permanent homes. Her professional journey later led her to serve as a Director at MMAE's Inn (a non-profit providing care for families of hospitalized loved ones) and eventually into the banking industry, where she worked as a Marketing Director. In every role, Nancy had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for-building meaningful relationships and lasting impressions wherever she went.

Nancy was widowed at the age of 40 following the passing of her beloved first husband, David Pollock Underwood. Together, they shared a life marked by adventure and deep love, including time spent living in Gimghoul Castle while David attended law school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (Go Heels!) Their greatest joy was raising their three children-Kyle, Kathryn, and David, Jr. When their son, David, was born with disabilities, Nancy and David became fierce advocates, determined not only to ensure the very best life for their son, but to improve the lives of countless others with disabilities as well.

One of Nancy and David's most cherished traditions was the annual Underwood Christmas Party. For more than 40 years, friends and family gathered to celebrate the season together, welcoming Santa, children, and later grandchildren into a home filled with laughter, music, and joy.

After 17 years of widowhood, Nancy found love again with Wilmer "Terry" Young. Their more than 20 years of marriage were rich with companionship, laughter, and love. They made their home in Vero Beach, Florida, traveled extensively, and shared countless joyful moments together. Terry-affectionately known as "Paw Paw" to the grandchildren-was a steady, loving presence and a true partner to Nancy. Together, they created treasured memories during extended stays in places such as Debordieu, John's Island, and Linville, surrounded by dear family and friends.

Helping others was at the core of who Nancy was. Her most enduring legacy is her tireless advocacy for individuals with disabilities. She actively served on the Board of Directors of InReach and several other non-profits throughout our community. More than 20 years ago, alongside a dear friend, Nancy founded the Dreammakers Luncheon benefiting InReach. What began as a hopeful vision grew into a powerful force for change. Since 2005, Nancy-together with family, friends, volunteers, and InReach staff-helped raise millions of dollars to support inclusive housing, employment opportunities, and meaningful community engagement for individuals with disabilities. She believed deeply that everyone deserves dignity, purpose, and belonging.

Above all else, Nancy cherished her role as a mother and grandmother. Known affectionately as "Nan Nan," she delighted in her grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them. She traveled any distance to be present in their lives, took them on unforgettable trips, and loved teaching them about history, the King's English, and investing-gifting them small shares of stock of their choosing each Christmas and birthday. Her lessons were always insightful, thoughtful, and filled with love.

After a brief illness, Nancy passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her three children, just 30 minutes after the arrival of her cherished son. In her final moments, her daughters reassured her that her legacy-of love, compassion, and unwavering devotion to family and those with disabilities-would continue, including care for her son, grandchildren, and her beloved dog, Bo.

Nancy is survived by her children: David Pollock Underwood of Charlotte, NC; Kyle Underwood Shive and her husband, Andrew, of Tega Cay, SC; and Kathryn Underwood Smith and her husband, Allen, of Charlotte, NC. She is also survived by her grandchildren, John David Melton, Harrison Pollock Melton, Kathryn Abernethy "Abbie" Walker, and David Vayle Walker; her brother, Kenneth Furman Abernethy and his wife, Carlen; her bonus daughter, Amy Fennebresque Burleson; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, family, and friends who felt more like family. She was preceded in death by her aforementioned husbands, parents, Charles Fay Abernethy and Thelma Swearengen Abernethy; parents-in-law; and brothers, Richard Franklin Abernethy, and Charles Frederick Abernethy.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Nancy's devoted friends for their unwavering love and support, and to her caregivers-including Providence Road Sundries-who became a second home, keeping everyone well cared for and surrounded by warmth and kindness.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2025, at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC. The service will also be available livestream at www.myersparkpres.org/live. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. The service will be livestreamed via the church's YouTube page for those unable to attend in person.

To honor Nancy's life and her enduring commitment to individuals with disabilities, memorial gifts may be made to InReach at inreachnc.org or by mailing a check to InReach, 4014 Monroe Road, Suite 170, Charlotte, NC 28205.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com