Nancy Alicia (Cheek) Mercer-Defriese-Gregory

Nancy Alicia Cheek Mercer- Defriese –Gregory at 80 yrs young, a lifelong resident of East Ridge, TN went home to be with her Lord and savior on Friday, February 28, 2025. Nancy was an "amazing woman" with her life’s accomplishments and generosity.

A woman of faith, Nancy was a long-time member of Frawley Road Baptist Church, East Ridge and more recently, she became a member of Spirit City Church, North Etowah, TN where her and her husband Jim attended.

She was a a member of the graduating class of 1962 from East Ridge High School. Nancy attended Hiwassee Jr College where she received a degree in business administration. She had worked with Edmondson Jr college and TVA during the 1970’s and 80’s. She eventually started her first business, IMTS (Institute for Management Training Services) along with opening and operating ABC Computer Learning Center, one of the first dedicated computer software teaching schools in the Chattanooga area. She managed / operated these businesses conjunctively through the 1990’s and into early 2000s. Eventually, Nancy retired from those operations to focus on her rental property business she had built over the years (N & S properties). She always stayed busy, a hardworking, dynamic individual, Nancy will always be remembered for her feisty, energetic personality, always hustling to make things happen in her world.

One of Nancy’s favorite things in life was the Christmas season along with all the lights and decorations. She really enjoyed that time of year and always loved having her Christmas tree up and her home fully decorated for the season. She thoroughly enjoyed working and creating her “self-made park” at her home and entertaining her 2 grandchildren Makenna and Caden Mercer there over the years. Another one of her favorite past times was to be lounging by the sea or floating in her pool enjoying a glass of wine.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Betty and Clyde Cheek of East Ridge, her late husband Spencer Defriese of East Ridge.

She is survived by her husband Jim Gregory (Etowah, TN), 2 sons: Brent Mercer (Heather) and Greg Mercer, God daughter, Pam Presley, 2 grandkids: Makenna and Caden Mercer, 2 brothers: Floyd and Glenn Cheek (Lynn), 1 Sister: Ann Mize, several cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces/nephews and her beloved dog Reece Bobby.

Funeral services to be held at East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home at 404 South Moore Rd. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday March 6th and on Friday March 7th from 10 am to 11 am. A chapel service will be held at 11:00 AM on March 7th, 2025. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery at noon. A gathering for friends and family to follow in East Ridge.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Nancy’s memory may be made to the Pat Summitt Foundation.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Rd., East Ridge, TN., has been entrusted with the arrangements.