Nancy Carol McKinney Soteres, of Signal Mountain and Colorado Springs, passed peacefully on August 15, 2025. She no doubt now sits in God’s own bleachers with her husband Pete, watching us pass our brief and privileged days on earth.
Nancy was born in Talladega, AL on Oct. 13, 1937, the daughter of the late John Bowling McKinney and Martha Allene McKinney. After attending high school, Nancy attended the University of Auburn and joined the Alpha Omega Pi sorority. She graduated with a BA in education and a master’s degree in teaching, specializing in children’s literature.
She is survived by her three sons, Peter Kipling (Desiree Earl) Soteres of Pittsburgh, Penn., Dr. Daniel Fletcher (Dr. Allison Sable) Soteres of Colorado Springs, Colo., William Ryan (Jeanine Pistocco) Soteres of Los Angeles, Cali.; four grandchildren, Zoe Ariadne Soteres, Daniel Fletcher Soteres II, Madeleine Sabel Soteres, and Olivia Rose Soteres, and many extended friends and relatives.
Nancy was a dedicated and beloved wife and mother, the heart of the Soteres household, raising three sons, volunteer teaching, supporting her husband, Dr. Pete Soteres, and hosting large, memorable family gatherings.
She was ahead of her time – a professional teacher and independent working woman in the years before she met Pete. She exposed the boys to fantastic books and was an amazing southern cook except for cornbread and fried okra, which forever eluded her despite her persistence.
She loved clowns, starting with her four men, and never once said no to any of their harebrained plans, hopes, hobbies, or schemes – there were too many of those to count. That generosity quickly extended to their spouses and then the next generation of kids.
She was devout without being preachy, generous in all things, fierce in defense of loved ones, and active in service to the underserved. Heaven is better but the world is a poorer place without her in it. Her service will be small and private in accordance with her wishes.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga.
The family will visit with friends from 8:30 am until 9:30 am on Friday, August 29, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
The family will have a private graveside service at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
