What a glorious home going on April 6th, 2012 for Nancy Lay Alley, 63 of Brandon. Meeting her Jesus on Good Friday and celebrating Easter with her Master. Nancy was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and a dearly beloved friend to many. Memories of her are bountiful and just the mention of her name brings laughter and heart- warming stories.
Nancy was born on March 5, 1949 and raised in Newton, Mississippi. The oldest daughter of Bob and Cherry Lay who preceded her in death. Nancy married the love of her life, soul-mate, and best friend Thurman E. Alley on February 16th, 1985. They have resided in Brandon for the past 25 years. Nancy had a love for her church, family, community, and friends.
Nancy graduated from Newton High School and received her Bachelor Degree in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She became the first female Manager of a Firestone retail store in the U.S. in 1975. Prior to going to work for the State Department of Education she taught elementary school in Jackson. Nancy was also employed by Allstate Insurance Company for several years before going to Washington DC to work for Congressman G.V.”Sonny” Montgomery. She retired from the MS. Community College Board in 2003 where she served as Director of Work Force Development.
Nancy loved life and lived it to the fullest. She had a love for Photography. It was evident by her numerous photo albums of their many trips and adventures. She and Thurman enjoyed taking drives on Sunday afternoons so she could photograph old barns, fields of flowers and birds. She and Thurman enjoyed crewing with several Hot Air balloon enthusiasts over the United States including the State of Mississippi Hot Air Balloon. Nancy had such a gift of communication and it showed in her love for others, never meeting a stranger. She was always willing to help anyone and everyone. Nancy has been a member of Pinelake Church for 25 years where she served on several committees, taught bible studies and had a love for her Sunday school class.
Survived by: Husband, Thurman E. Alley; Step- Father, Larry Pearson; Sister, Kathy Stephens (Dennis); Daughters, Alisa Smith (Ernie), Robin Rogers, and Missy May; Nephew, Colby Jolley (Erica); and grandchildren, James Morrison (Lindsey), Brittney Strong (Derek), Carson Smith, Amanda Cormier (Coleman), Michael McWilliams (Brittany), Jordan Rogers, Robi Miles, Buddy Hernandez, and Skyla May; and 6 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Baldwin-Lee Funeral home in Pearl, Monday, April 9th from 5-8 pm with Celebration of Life Service at Pinelake Church Tuesday, April 10th at 10am. Interment will follow with Graveside Service in Newton, Mississippi. (approximately at noon) Pallbearers will be Joe Ed Horseman, Bob Newell, Perry Sanderford, David Feldman, Craig Jackson, Jim Southward, and Dr. Donnie Wilson.
Flowers welcome and memorials can be made to Hospice Ministries of Ridgeland, Mississippi.
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