Nancy Fowler Hanby

Nancy Fowler Hanby, age 85, of Long Beach, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.

A native of Bellefontaine, Ohio, Nancy graduated from Bellefontaine High School and embraced life with vigor and an admirable spirit. She was a passionate golfer who served as President of Keesler’s Ladies Golf Association for many years and remained an active member of both the Gulf Hills Ladies Golf Association and the Gulf Coast Ladies Golf Association. A devoted Ohio State Buckeye fan, she lived and breathed scarlet and gray, filling game days with memorabilia and spirited chants of O-H-I-O.

Nancy shared a loving marriage of 64 years with her husband, Retired Colonel James W. Hanby. Together they navigated the challenges of military life with resilience and deep affection. She was known for her warmth and enthusiasm, whether as a former blackjack dealer, an avid runner who completed her first marathon on the Mississippi Gulf Coast at age 50, or the beloved “Yahtzee Queen” to her family.

Above all, Nancy cherished her role as grandmother. She attended every sports game, gymnastics and dance recital, and theatrical performance with exuberance, cheering loudly from the front row and taking immense joy in her grandchildren’s accomplishments. She is survived by her husband, James W. Hanby of Long Beach; daughters Lisa L. Hill, Cindy A. Powell (Delma), and Tina M. Carothers (Russ); sister Judith Lauck of The Villages, Florida; grandchildren Jesse L. Hill (Jeanna), Brittney N. Hill, Allison Ladner Owen, Justin W. Powell (Tabitha), Lauren E. Carothers, and Reese R. Carothers; great-grandchildren Adler, Jude, Alex, Jack, Caroline, Collins, and Hallie; and many nieces and nephews who will carry her memory in their hearts.