Nancy Raye Parker Nunley, 73
November 26, 1951 – July 16, 2025
SALTILLO — Nancy Raye Parker Nunley realized the promises of her salvation on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 after a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer ’s disease. Nancy transformed to eternal life at her Saltillo residence at the age of 73. She was the only child born on November 26, 1951 in Paducah, Kentucky to the late Ray Parker and Blanche James Parker. At a young age, she returned to Saltillo with her family and was a lifelong committed citizen of all things Saltillo. Graduating from Saltillo High School in 1970, she received her associate’s degree from Itawamba Junior College (ICC) and completed her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Mississippi. Nancy taught first grade at Verona School for 2 years before becoming a beloved teacher at Saltillo Primary School. She retired after 30 years service to the Lee County School System carrying with her a deep love for early childhood education and the generous love, respect and joy she received from teaching little ones. Always optimistic, her life was exemplified by her complete devotion to her God, her family, the “little children” and the Saltillo Methodist Church where she was a former Sunday School teacher, a member of the Adult Choir and the hand bell ensemble and where she served on about every board the church had, always approaching life with a servant’s heart! Her classes at Saltillo Primary School were long known as the “Bee Class” due to her love of bees and her longstanding attitude toward setting goals and achieving them even at her student’s early age. Nancy was a die-hard Ole Miss Rebel all her life except when her son, Casey chose to be educated at Miss. State and she proudly wore “MSU Mom” attire. Her love of music, especially Southern gospel and country, brought her much joy and pleasure. Her legacy will be that of a spectacular Mother and “Mamaw”, a revered school teacher and a devoted Christian. “Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant.”
A service celebrating her life will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025 from the Sanctuary of Saltillo Methodist Church with her longtime pastor, Bro. Tim Green, officiating. Private burial will follow in Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4 PM-6 PM Sunday, July 20, 2025 at the Tupelo Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors and will resume on Monday at Noon at the Church, until service time at 2 PM.
Nancy is survived by her only son, Casey Tennison and his wife, Amanda and her only grandson, Parker, all of Saltillo. She is also survived by Casey’s dad, Buddy Tennison, and several cousins and their families. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Blanche Parker, a baby daughter, Brandi, and her second husband, Jack Nunley.
Pallbearers will be Ricky Hardy, Tommy Alexander, Danny Bailey, Vance Perkins and Bryant Perkins.
The family requests memorials be made to the LeBonheur Children’s Hospital Foundation, P. O. Box 41817, Memphis, TN 38174 where she had a commitment to lifelong financial support and fundraising.
Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to be serving their friends. Condolences may be posted on Nancy’s memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Obits.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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