Nancy Lee Hanebury

On December 27th at approximately 11:25 p.m., at the age of 75, Nancy Lee Hanebury passed into eternity and went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She passed on at home in Knoxville, TN, with her husband of 52 years and the love of her life, John M. Hanebury by her side. She had spent the last few days surrounded by friends, loved ones, and family, including her only son, Lloyd M. Hanebury; daughter-in-law, Nataliya I. Hanebury; and grandsons, Liam and Fáelán.

Nancy was born in Loma Linda, CA, on October 2, 1949. She was the eldest of three daughters, born to Lloyd and Lee Coley. She was raised primarily in Northern California in the Bay Area. Before her retirement, she was a school teacher for 38 years, most of which she spent teaching kindergarten.

Nancy sang and played the piano and relished the old hymns. She loved to travel and had the privilege to tour the United States, Europe, and Israel. Nancy loved to share the gospel. She was also a fervent and faithful supporter of mission work.

She fiercely loved people, especially children, the elderly, and the vulnerable. She always put herself last and sacrificed for others at every turn.

The only thing that Nancy loved more than her husband and son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren was Jesus. She had an unwavering faith in Christ and the great expectation that she would stand before her Lord, shoulder to shoulder with her parents and middle sister, Adele Troublefield, who preceded her into heaven. She also entered eternity hoping and praying that all of her family would follow her there by putting their faith in Jesus Christ for their salvation and redemption from sin.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9 NKJV

Undoubtedly, Nancy Lee Hanebury was the type of godly woman described in Proverbs 31:10-31…

“Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax and willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and a portion for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; from her profits, she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet. She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them and supplies sashes for the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

Nancy Lee Hanebury’s earthly temple will be laid to rest on January 2, 2025. Services will be held at Berry Highland Memorial, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 with a gathering of friends/visitation, with finger foods from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, followed by a 1:30 pm service.