Nancy Ivy McCraw

Nancy Ivy McCraw, a longtime resident of Fayette County, Tennessee, died in her home in Germantown on February 19, 2018.  Born in September of 1928, she was the daughter of Annie Weber Ivy and Fountain T. Ivy of Hickory Withe, Tennessee.  She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Dr. Weber Ivy.

Nancy graduated from Gulf Park College for Women in Gulfport, Mississippi with a degree in Home Economics.  In 1950, she married the love of her life, Harris Lamar “Sonny” McCraw, Jr. and began her life with him in Braden, Tennessee where they farmed, ginned cotton, raised cattle and shared deep memories of family, friends and faith throughout Fayette and Tipton counties.

Gracious, warm, loving and quintessentially a Southern lady, Nancy was active in working for her community and as a disciple of Christ. During her childhood, she and her family were active in Hickory Withe Presbyterian Church.  After her marriage, she joined the Braden United Methodist Church where she remained a member with an associate membership at Germantown United Methodist Church. She was a longtime member and teacher with Community Bible Study in Fayette and Shelby County.

In 2006, after the death of Sonny, she moved to The Village of Germantown as one of the original residents of the retirement community. Having never been a “city girl”, Nancy quickly embraced this new life by creating deep friendships with the residents and staff at The Village.  She was one of the first to greet new residents and make them feel welcomed.  She was quick to offer her home for bridge games, bible study and celebratory gatherings.  Nancy was known for her words of encouragement which she freely shared with everyone she encountered.

She enjoyed cooking, sewing, knitting, studying the Bible and playing bridge.  But her highest calling was that of nurturing family.  She and Sonny raised four children; three sons and one daughter in Braden.  She instilled in them a deep faith, a love of family, and a responsibility of service to others.

Nancy’s second-born son, Charles Ivy “Charlie” McCraw, passed away in 2013.  She is survived by her sons, Harris L. McCraw, III (Leslie Owen) and Judge Weber McCraw (Charlotte McGowan); her daughter-in-law and Charlie’s widow, Beverly Wallace McCraw, and her daughter Diane McCraw Hampton (Leonard). She was the very proud grandmother of eight:  Dorothy McCraw Edwards (T.J.), Salley McCraw Martin (Rob), Elizabeth McCraw Neyland (Parker), John Harris McCraw (Emily Law), Halle Hampton Reynolds (Ricky), Will Hampton, Ross McCraw Welch (Andy) and Anna Grey McCraw. She was also very proud of her six great-grandchildren.

Services of Remembrance for Mrs. McCraw were conducted at 11 A.M. Friday, February 23, 2018 at the Germantown United Methodist Church. The officiating ministers were Rev. Gail Gaddie and Rev. Billy Spink. Interment followed in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery at Hickory Withe. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes & Cremation Center - Main Chapel of Somerville.

Memorial gifts may be made to Fayette Cares, P.O. Box 326, Somerville, TN 38068 or the donor’s choice.