Dr. Nancy Anna Burkhalter

Dr. Nancy Anna Burkhalter, cherished daughter of Roy Greenwood Burkhalter, Jr. and Lois Lee Brooks Burkhalter, passed away on June 18, 2026, after a courageous four year journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Born on October 2, 1947, Nancy lived a life marked by service, scholarship, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others. Her influence reached millions across the United States and abroad through her work with the United Methodist Church, educational institutions, and the U.S. military.

Nancy’s professional life unfolded in two extraordinary chapters. For the first 15 years of her career, she was a gifted professional musician and educator, teaching and performing throughout Richland and Lexington Counties, at Bryan College, the University of Tennessee, and as a flutist and soloist with the Columbia Philharmonic Orchestra. Her artistry, discipline, and love of music shaped countless students and enriched every community she touched.

Her life’s direction changed when she began volunteering at The Columbia Free Medical Clinic. There, she discovered a deeper calling—one that led her to pursue a career in pharmacy with a focus on chronic illness and diabetes care. As a Doctor of Clinical Pharmacy and an internationally recognized Certified Diabetes Educator, Nancy became a respected leader in her field. The Department of Defense selected her as one of only 24 international specialists to develop the U.S. Army’s diabetes care protocols, work that continues to guide military medicine today.

A sought after lecturer and keynote speaker, Nancy presented at national nursing conferences, Department of Defense Joint Forces Pharmacy Seminars, and major medical gatherings. Her “Three Legged Stool” treatment model became a foundational element of the military’s diabetes guidelines. Her patient education programs—including asthma initiatives later adopted by the U.S. Army Surgeon General—further cemented her legacy as a visionary in clinical pharmacy.

Despite her many accolades, Nancy’s proudest moments were never the awards or the podiums. They were the quiet, personal conversations—one on one with patients, friends, colleagues, and congregants—where she offered counsel, comfort, humor, and hope. Her voice, her smile, and her gentle wit are deeply missed, but the love she shared endures in the hearts of all who knew her.

During her demanding professional life, Nancy found solace in her second home in Black Mountain, North Carolina. After retirement, she lovingly remodeled and expanded the home, devoting special care to the gardens filled with her beloved daylilies and peonies.

Her love of travel blossomed in retirement. She explored Italy, Turkey, Mexico, Europe, the Caribbean, and countless destinations across the United States. Whether wandering through classical settings abroad or enjoying the excitement of Branson, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Orlando, New York City, Williamsburg, or the peaceful beauty of Brookgreen Gardens, The Biltmore Estate, and Charleston’s private gardens, Nancy enjoyed the thrill of exploration and excitement of new experiences.

Nancy is survived by her brother, John Brooks Burkhalter of Long Beach, California, and by her spiritual sister and life companion, Linda Byrum of Columbia, South Carolina.

A memorial service will be held at Bethel United Methodist Church in Columbia, with details to be announced by the church and on this site.

Education • Doctor of Clinical Pharmacy (PharmD) • Certified Diabetes Educator (internationally recognized) • Master’s Degrees in Music and Music Education, University of South Carolina • Advanced studies, Royal Academy of Music, London

Awards and Honors • Four U.S. Army Coins of Recognition, including Challenge and Commander’s Coins of Excellence • 1999 Ralph D. Arnold Army Pharmacy Award – Mel Liter Army Pharmacy Clinical Pharmacists Award • Developer of U.S. Army–adopted asthma education programs • 1993 Excellence in Pharmacy Administration • 1993 National “Design A Drug” Competition – Top Award

Memberships and Service • American Association of Diabetes Educators • American Pharmacists Association • Bethlehem Community Center Board of Directors • United Methodist Women – Columbia District (Coordinator of Global Concerns; Executive Committee) • Daylily Societies of Augusta, GA and Columbia, SC • Wallace Family Life Center, Columbia, SC • Additional memberships in six other honorary and professional associations