2017. Nancy was born in Atlanta in 1944. She graduated from Therrell High School, married and
raised three children. She worked as a realtor, a caterer, but most recently, as an advocate for
the autism community for over 20 years. When her grandson was diagnosed with autism at
age 3, in his honor, she co-founded Unlocking Autism where she worked to bring awareness to
the growing epidemic, partnering with state and local government and eventually earning a
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for her efforts. She continued to answer the
hotline phone for Autism Research Institute until the day she was admitted to the hospital.
Countless parents across the US found kindness and connection through her endless passion
to provide resources and most of all, hope.
She is survived by her son, Todd Hale, and her daughters, Shannon Johnson and Branndan
VanEgmond; her grandchildren, Wynn Johnson, Haley Johnson, Tate VanEgmond and Tucker
VanEgmond; her brothers, William Herndon, Jr., Tommy Herndon and her sister Elaine Lewis.
She will be honored by family and friends at Peachtree City Seventh-Day Adventist Church on
Sunday, August 13 at 3 pm. A burial service will follow at Sharon Memorial Gardens in Tyrone,
Georgia.
A fund in her name is being established at her church to continue to share hope and light in her
absence. Any donations can be directed to Peachtree City Seventh-Day Adventist Church
.Arrangements under the direction of Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home & Crematory, Peachtree City, GA.
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