Nancy Carolyn Alexander, 91, of Knoxville, Tenn., passed away peacefully at Elmcroft West Assisted Living (now American House) on February 4, 2022. She was born May 23, 1930, in Stony Point, N.C., to the late William “Mack” and Annie Belle Stikeleather.
Nancy grew up on the family farm in Stony Point and was a graduate of Stony Point High School. She was the youngest of 12 children. She married her high school sweetheart, James L. Alexander, and they were married for 68 years until his passing in May 2019. Jim and Nancy were an Air Force family for 20 years, and they traveled and lived in many foreign countries, including Germany, Turkey and Greece. Nancy had two sons, Ronald and Timothy. She was a strong and caring mother and the guiding light of our family.
Nancy spent her life devoted to her family and her love of the Lord. She was very active in all the churches she attended and made numerous life-long friends. The church members became family to her. The church that she considered her “home” was Cumberland Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tenn. She was a devoted member there for over 40 years, participating in the choir, women’s prayer groups, mission support activities, and visiting sick and hospitalized friends. She loved her North Carolina families and looked forward to visiting the Stikeleather farm and reunions. She also enjoyed sharing Christmas and Thanksgiving holiday celebrations with the Alexanders. Nancy enjoyed traveling and beach vacations with the family.
She was preceded in death by her husband James; her son, Timothy; and eight brothers, Ray, Vance, H.P. “Hugh,” Joe, Grier, Wade, William Jr. “Chal” and Lindsey Stikeleather, and also two sisters, Mary Barnes and Myrtle Stone. She is survived by her brother Arthur “Tab” Stikeleather of Statesville, N.C., and her son, Ronald Alexander of Knoxville, Tenn. Also surviving Nancy are three grandchildren, Beau Alexander, Bryan Alexander, and Kristin (Alexander) Rupard; and three great grandchildren, Beau’s son Davis, and Kristin’s children, Jackson and Riley.
We want to thank the staff of SCHAS for their in-home care for the three years before Jim and Nancy moved to Elmcroft West Assisted Living Facility. We also want to thank Elmcroft for the caring and helpful way they assisted with Jim’s and Nancy’s passing and want to thank Colby Church and his memory care staff and Amedisys Hospice for their care and attention to Nancy in her final days.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 15, at Cumberland Baptist Church, 5600 Western Avenue, Knoxville< Tenn., at 12:30 p.m. followed by a Memorial Service at 1 p.m. There will be a private burial at East Tennessee Veteran’s Cemetery on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Nancy’s name to Cumberland Baptist Church, 5600 Western Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921 or to Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service (SCHAS), P.O. Box 3025, Bearden Place, Knoxville, TN 37927.
Arrangements by Rose Funeral and Cremation. Online condolences may be made at rosefuneraltn.com.