Nancy Lee Epting

Nancy Lee Smith Epting, 84, passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2022 after a short illness. She was a beloved wife, mother, and friend. Born in Grand Junction, Tennessee on November 14, 1938, to David William Smith and Earleen Downen Smith, Nancy was their only child and had many fond memories of friends and extended family while growing up there. Following high school, Nancy attended Union University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Known for her wry sense of humor and quick turn of phrase, Nancy was a lifelong lover and scholar of literature. She spent her early career as a teacher and then married James Epting in 1962. Her curiosity about the world was fed by their adventures which included travel, auto racing, and the birth of their only child Leah in 1971. The family lived in Berlin, Germany for three years and used the opportunity to travel extensively in Europe. Nancy was active in writer’s clubs and book clubs throughout her life. She found her second career as an editor for the American Statistical Association enriching for its challenges and for the colleagues with whom she worked. Throughout her life, she was active in charitable organizations related to children’s wellbeing. In retirement she and Jim enjoyed traveling the country for a decade as full time RV campers, falling in love with both the Southwest United States and Louisiana’s bayou region, including its food and dance. In all of the communities that Nancy came to be a part of, she was known for her warm and welcoming presence, whether it was the extended family of racers her husband and daughter participated in or the far flung community of RV lifers. Nancy and her daughter enjoyed singing traditional Appalachian music together and when she departed this world she did so on a bright morning in keeping with one of her favorite songs, “I’ll Fly Away.” Nancy is survived by her husband James Epting and daughter Leah Epting. No memorial services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Feed More of Central Virginia or your local food bank.