Nancy Stanley

Nancy Lee Stanley, age 86, of Highland, Arkansas, passed peacefully on March 13, 2026. Born on July 29, 1939, in Jacksonville, Texas, Nancy was the daughter of George William Hutto, Sr. and Mary Lee (Farmer) Hutto. Nancy graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1958. With a deep love of learning and a remarkable work ethic, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Education from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, and later a Master of Science in Counseling from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. While attending both universities, Nancy also cared for her five children and supported her husband in ministry, graduating summa cum laude from both institutions.

The impact of Nancy’s life on others, through her faith in Jesus Christ and as a wife and mother, is immeasurable. She mentored not only her own children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren in faith but countless others as well. She faithfully taught women’s Sunday School in each church she attended, and her life verse was Galatians 2:20, which she embodied for the entirety of her life. Nancy faithfully labored in ministry for many decades at the side of her husband, Pastor Jack Stanley, primarily in Oklahoma and Texas. Together, they invested their lives for eternity, everywhere they served.

Their marriage was blessed with five children, all of whom survive them. Their second son, David Mark, was born with Downs Syndrome. Having a special needs child to care for over the past 61 years did not slow Nancy’s services for the Lord. Likewise, she cared faithfully at her husband’s side during his failing health for the last 16 years of his life. These trials would overwhelm many; however, they only amplified the grace of God through her example. Her daily demonstration of joy, even in difficult life circumstances, radiated the spirit of Christ.

Those who knew Nancy will remember her lively and competitive spirit. In her youth, she was an exceptional basketball player and was honored as a member of the All-State women’s basketball team during high school. She loved sports, enjoyed a good mystery novel, and was known among her family for always keeping a close eye on the weather—often calling loved ones with updates and warnings whenever storms were nearby.

Family was at the center of Nancy’s life. She was married to her beloved husband for 55 years, and together they built a legacy of faith and family that spans generations. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Stanley; her parents, George William Hutto, Sr. and Mary Lee Hutto; her sister, Francis Hall and husband William; her brother, Ernest Hutto and wife Elaine; one infant brother; her son-in-law, Jay R. Spray; her granddaughter, Esther Gayle Stanley; her great-grandsons, Bryan David Williams and Lindsey Jude Banks; and her great-granddaughter, Charity Joy Spray.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Mike Stanley and wife Peggy (children Ruth, Micaiah, Rebekah, Rachel, Michael, Sarah, Hannah, and Jonathan), Jacqueline Spray (children Jason, Joshua, Janna, and Joseph), Elisabeth Banks and husband Brad (children Bethany, Daniel, Paul, and Andrew), David Stanley, and Joanna Clark and husband Anthony (children Julia, Jacob, and Anna). Also carrying her legacy are 74 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren, as well as her brother, Bill Hutto, and her sisters, Georgia Senn and Marion Schiefer, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

A funeral service will be March 20, 2026, at Friendship Baptist Church in Highland, Arkansas. Visitation will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. with the service to follow. Burial will be at Turkey Pen Cemetery in Hardy, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Friendship Baptist Church Nancy Stanley Memorial Fund for the continued care of her special son, David.

Nancy’s life was marked by steadfast faith, devotion to family, and a heart for serving others. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched—as a teacher, mentor, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of God.

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