Nancy R. Jolley, age 86, of Decherd, Tennessee, passed away on December 2, 2025, at Franklin Manor Assisted Living. She was born on March 4, 1939, in Corbin, Kentucky, to the late Alex and Rachel McNeil Harp. Nancy lived a life rooted in faith, service, and love. She and her husband were among the founding members of Southside Baptist Church, where she remained a devoted member for sixty years and served as a dedicated Sunday school teacher and pianist. Teaching was truly her calling, and she poured her heart into her students for thirty-eight years, sharing her knowledge and compassion in Morrison, Decherd, Tullahoma, and at Motlow State Community College. Music was woven into every part of her life. She loved playing the piano, enjoyed reading, and spent time playing Chinese checkers and Rook. After moving to Franklin Manor, she quickly became a social butterfly and even helped coordinate games for the other residents, bringing joy and connection wherever she went. Nancy adored her cats, treasured her family, and lived each day with compassion, kindness, and a loving spirit. She was also a member of the Lions Club and a proud member of the Music Educators National Conference. She enjoyed her time working at Decherd Fabric Store. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband, Roger Jolley, and siblings, Rollie Harp and Kenneth Harp. She is survived by her children, Terry (Alison) Jolley, Cynthia (Jacob) Gray, Darrell (Jacqualine) Jolley, and David (Heather) Jolley; grandchildren, Claire (Camren) Baker, Will Jolley, Ava Jolley, Hadley Jolley, and Ryan Jolley; great-grandchild, Kaelyn Baker; and sister, Betty Sue Hammett. Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Watson Funeral Home from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the funeral service to follow in the Roy B. Watson Chapel of Watson Funeral Home at 1 p.m. Interment will immediately follow in Watson Memorial Park. Watson Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 405 Sharp Springs Road, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2345
