Nancy Harwell Abernathy was born into this world on October 13th, 1943 to Roy and Birdie Thornton. Even though this was her birthdate, she celebrated the 14th of October as her birthday for the first half of her life. Born as Nancy Gail Thornton, she came into this world the 5th child out of 7 children. This set the tone for what would be the life of a family-centered woman. Known to many as “Nana”, she loved all of her grandchildren, and just about anyone who she was close to, unconditionally. Her greatest joy and pride in her life was being Nana. Nancy was a devoted Christian, constantly nourishing her family and those around her in the word of God. While she attended many churches throughout her life, she was most recently a member of Northside Church of Christ, which was also the first church she attended. In her spare time, she enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, sewing, collecting lighthouses, and watching Hallmark movies.
Nancy was a beautician for 32 years, and made many lasting friendships through doing this. She even cut the hair of her grandchildren until she was unable to. Nancy always made sure to have her hair done, even doing it herself, just to have the perfect “Nana Curls.”
Nancy departed from this life on July 18th, 2026, she passed peacefully whilst surrounded by all of her loved ones. She spent her last few months consistently surrounded by those who cared about her. No matter how hard times got for her during this time, she never let her spirits get low. From calls, to texts, to visits, she was lively and just ready to get back to things as they were. Unfortunately, while things will not be as they were before, her legacy and love she shared will forever be cherished by the ones she loved in this life.
She is survived by her beloved cat, Truffles, her children: Janice Cagle; Bryan (Holly) Harwell; Philip (Serena) Harwell, grandchildren:
Perry Cagle, Kenny (Kate) Cagle, Megan (Taylor) Pettus, Steven Harwell, Madeline Harwell, Jeremy Harwell, Justin Harwell, Sophia Harwell, Timothy Harwell, great grandchildren: Bethany Cagle, David Cagle, Siblings: Franklin (Telula) Thornton, Ruby Smith, JB (Marcella) Thornton, Alan Thornton, and Susan Harper
Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Birdie Thornton; Her first husband and father of her children, Steve Harwell, and later by her husbands, Joseph (Joe) Stanford, and Lifford Abernathy; Her sister, Barbara Gordon; Her grandchild, Nathan Harwell.
A Celebration of Life Service will be Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in McConnell Memorial Chapel with Gary Anderson and Kasey Harbin officiating and David Cox leading the singing. The Visitation will be Tuesday, July 21st, 2026 in McConnell Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Steven Harwell, Taylor Pettus, Ken Crawford, David Gordon, Chris Harper, and Kevin Smith.
We’ll meet again, Don’t know where, Don’t know how,
But I know we’ll meet again some sunny day
