Nancy Grace Humphrey

Nancy Grace Humphrey, 66, of Lapel, passed away surrounded by her loving family on October 11, 2026. She was born on November 26, 1959, in Anderson to the late Lawrence and Eleanor (Cayton) Whitehead.

Affectionately known as “Nanny”, Nancy will be remembered as a woman of strength, spirit, and deep devotion to the people she loved. She was a very hard worker, someone who did what needed to be done, especially for her family. While raising her children, she held two jobs, giving of herself tirelessly and showing the kind of determination that defined her life.

She attended St. Mary’s in Anderson and graduated from Madison Heights High School in Anderson. Nancy went on to work as a manager at Bob Evans for 32 years and also worked at the bingo hall. Nancy also worked at the University of Dermatology for years and loved her time there and she was a free dermatologist for the family.

Nancy came from a large family and was one of ten children, sharing life with nine brothers and sisters. Among them, her sister Liz held an especially close place in her heart. Liz was one of her best friends, the peanut butter to her jelly, and their bond was a treasured part of Nancy’s life.

Those who knew Nancy understood that her bark was bigger than her bite. She fiercely defended her people, but anyone who met her knew she had a heart of gold. She loved to laugh and to make others laugh, and her presence brought energy, humor, and honesty wherever she went.

She found joy in so many things that made life rich and fun. Nancy loved The Beatles, cheered for the Cincinnati Reds, and had a special fondness for all things Coca-Cola. She loved music and dancing, and she enjoyed attending plays and concerts. She was a great cook, enjoyed reading, and always looked forward to her annual vacation with her girlfriends, lovingly known as Beach Week. She also loved driving and was proudly known as a “driving machine.”

Above all, Nancy’s love for her family was at the center of her life. She was her daughter Jaclyn’s biggest cheerleader and supporter, always encouraging her and standing firmly in her corner. Her brother-in-law, Denny, took such good care of her, and that care meant so much. And whenever Britney, her “angel,” came around, Nancy was filled with joy.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Kevin (Cathie) Edgell II, Jaclyn Edgell (Marty Hall), and Aaron (Jessica) Humphrey; grandchildren, Britney Flowers, Zachary (Allie) Edgell, Riley (Maria) Keesling, and Logan Humphrey; great grandchildren, Eli Edgell, Navi Edgell, Theo Edgell, and Riley Keesling Jr.; siblings, Liz Dorsey, Theresa (Denny) Price, Mike (Charlene) Whitehead, Tom Whitehead, Joe (Kathy) Whitehead, Richard (Donna) Whitehead, and Ralph (Linda) Whitehead; the love of her life, Doug Humphrey; brother in law, Floyd Hodge; special friend, Sharon McElfresh; many nieces, nephews, and other loved ones; and her little dog, Charlie.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her siblings, Raye Whitehead and Mary Hodge; her daughter, Ashley Humphrey; her nephew, Wade Whitehead; and special friends, Steven DeGroot, Nancy Thomas, and Rosemary Quinn.

Services will be held at 7:00pm on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home in Daleville, with Wendell Evans officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00pm until the time of the service on Thursday. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children at 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607, or online here. Memorial contributions can also be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online here. You may express condolences or share a memory of Nancy at www.ballardandsons.com.