Nancy Wilbourne Nabers Boydstun

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants." — Psalm 116:15

Nancy Wilbourne Nabers Boydstun, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, mentor, and friend, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 11, 2026, at the age of 76.

Born on March 2, 1950, in Columbus, Mississippi, Nancy was the daughter of Martha Wilbourne Nabers and Fred Foster Nabers. She spent her childhood in Mississippi, where some of her fondest memories were made with her beloved grandparents in Columbus. Those early years helped shape the gracious Southern lady she would become—one who cherished family, tradition, hospitality, and faith.

Nan attended Mississippi College for Women, where she was a proud member of the Lockheart social club, before completing her degree at Louisiana State University. She devoted much of her professional life to teaching English, sharing her love of literature and grammar with generations of students. She believed words mattered, stories had power, and education could change lives.

While Nan was an accomplished educator, her greatest calling was her faith. A devoted member and Elder of First Presbyterian Church, she served faithfully for many years through Bible studies, teaching ministries, leadership roles, and prison ministry outreach. Her walk with Christ was the foundation of her life. Influenced by the teachings of Anne Graham Lotz and Henry Blackaby, Nan sought not only to know God deeply but also to encourage others in their own faith journeys. She was a faithful prayer warrior whose prayer lists extended far beyond her own family, encompassing friends, neighbors, and often even their loved ones.

Nan possessed a remarkable ability for making people feel welcomed and cherished. She loved gathering family and friends around a beautifully set table, preparing meals with care, and creating occasions worth remembering. Flowers were one of her great joys, and she found beauty in both the grand and simple details of life. Whether arranging a centerpiece, tying on a favorite scarf, or hosting Sunday lunch, she carried herself with elegance, warmth, and grace. She loved to travel, though she often joked that she preferred the destination far more than the flight that got her there.

Nan was a devoted and steadfast friend whose kindness touched countless lives. Thoughtful and compassionate, she made people feel valued and loved. Whether through a handwritten note, a heartfelt conversation, or a faithful prayer, she invested deeply in the lives of those around her, leaving an enduring impact on countless friends.

Nan’s most cherished role was being a mother. She loved her children with a fierce and unwavering devotion, providing a lifetime of guidance, protection, encouragement, and unconditional love. She celebrated their victories, walked beside them through challenges, and was always their steadfast source of wisdom and support. There was never a moment when her children doubted the depth of her love or questioned whether she would do anything for them. The security of knowing they were loved beyond measure was one of the greatest gifts she gave them and remains one of her most enduring legacies.

Of all her accomplishments and passions, Nan was proudest of her family. Nothing brought her greater joy than being "Nina". Her grandchildren were among life's greatest blessings, and she loved each one fiercely.

Nan is survived by her devoted husband of over 50 years, J. Herbert Boydstun; her children, Jennifer Boydstun Whittington and husband Ryan Whittington, Lauren Elizabeth Boydstun, and John Herbert Boydstun, Jr. and wife Sarah Kirby Boydstun; her cherished grandchildren, Robert Wilson Russ III, John Boydstun Russ, Corinne Elizabeth Boydstun, James Ryan Whittington, John Herbert Boydstun III, Kirby Elaine Boydstun, and Katharine Elizabeth Boydstun; her brother, Fred Nabers; her sister, Susan Krawulski; and numerous extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Martha Wilbourne Nabers and Fred Foster Nabers, and her brother, James Nabers of Louisville, Mississippi.

Nan's life reflected the words of Proverbs 31:

"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue... Her children rise up and call her blessed." — Proverbs 31:25–28

Family and friends are invited to gather at First Presbyterian Church on Monday, June 15, 2026, for visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place immediately afterward at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Pediatric Spina Bifida program at Children's of Alabama or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, whose works held special meaning for Nan and her family.

Though her family grieves her absence, they rejoice in the assurance of her faith and the promise fulfilled. The woman who loved Jesus fiercely, prayed faithfully, served generously, and loved her family beyond measure has heard the words she longed for most:

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23