Nancy Ernestine Harrelson McCarthy

Nancy H. McCarthy, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully in Raleigh on October 20, 2025, at the age of 79.

Nancy was born on September 10, 1946, in High Point, NC. When she was 16, she moved to Raleigh to live with her beloved sister Jo and graduated from Broughton High School in 1964.

Nancy met Larry McCarthy while working at the NC State Print Shop in the late 1960s. On September 19, 1970, Nancy, along with her precious son Ben, united in marriage with Larry, embarking on a journey marked by love and devotion.

Nancy's love for children was at the center of her life. She worked for many years in the Wake County School System as a secretary and teacher assistant in elementary and ESL classrooms. Also working for a time as Office Manager at Child and Family Psychology in Cary, her joyful conversation and friendly stories comforted and entertained the families and children they served there.

Nancy is survived by her loving son, Ben Tippett; her treasured grandchildren, Brandon Tippett and Morgan Tippett; her devoted sister, Jo Adams, and brother-in-law, Don Adams. She is also survived by an abundance of nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

Nancy was predeceased by her loving husband of 54 years, Larry McCarthy, mother, Finley Coleman, step-father, Lester Coleman, step-brothers, Buck, Sam and Boyd Coleman and step-sister Margaret Felts.

Nancy was a woman of many interests, finding solace and inspiration in reading, collecting angel figurines, and spending time with those she loved. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the gentle reminders of her many passions. She was also a steadfast supporter of the NC State Wolfpack and was a season ticket holder for basketball games. Nancy was known for her beautiful singing voice and was proud of her time as a member of Sweet Adelines. Her voice brought joy to all who heard her. She and Larry traveled to Ireland many times. Conor Pass in Ireland held a special place in their hearts and will be their final resting place.

Nancy is fondly remembered for her kindness, compassion, intelligence, and unwavering passion for life. Beyond all else, her greatest joy was spending time with her beloved grandchildren. She will be remembered for the Christmas tradition of giving a new Christmas book each year to her great nieces and nephews, who now each have their own special collection of Christmas stories from their “Great” Aunt Dink.

Nancy’s compassionate heart, organized spirit, and radiant intelligence touched the lives of countless people. Her memory will live on in the love she gave so freely and the beautiful moments she created for all around her.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at Brown Wynne Funeral Home, Cary, NC. Family and friends will gather at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 2, 2025, to honor a truly remarkable woman who will be deeply missed but never forgotten.