Nancy Phillips Harbin

On October 19, 2024 the Lord called His good and faithful servant, Nancy Phillips Harbin, better known as Gran, to be with Him in the Kingdom of Heaven. While her family is suffering great grief from her loss, we know that it is because she gave such great love.

Nancy Elaine Phillips was born to Bill and Mary Phillips on November 21, 1953 at Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. She had an older brother named Eddie and a little sister named Dianne, who remembers her as “Sweet Nancy.” A graduate of Jonesboro High School in 1971, Nancy enjoyed playing the flute in both the symphonic and marching bands, a passion she would later pass on to each of her 3 children. In January of 1975, Nancy met a young man named David Harbin at a church camp. For their first date, David arrived with hair down to his waist, a purple velvet jacket, a brown and purple paisley bow tie, wearing orange and green platform shoes making the young man 6 feet 8 inches tall; quite the contrast to the 5 foot 3 inches Nancy. Although her Veteran father, Bill, was quite taken aback by David’s appearance, he supported the couple and after a whirlwind romance David and Nancy married on July 12, 1975. They honeymooned in Walt Disney World, a place that would forever be a second home where they would share fond memories for the more than 49 years to come.

David and Nancy had three wonderful children- David Ian (named after the lead singer of Jethro Tull), Elizabeth Hope (named after Aunt Hope) and Haley Marie (named by Ian). What lucky children they were to have Nancy Harbin for a mother! She retired from Clayton County Schools after 30 years as an early childhood educator before she began her most treasured job as a grandmother affectionately called Gran. She was a talented seamstress, an expert at scrapbooking, the best baker, and an incredible party planner. She continued to serve in her church and taught her children to do the same.

As a mother, Nancy never missed any event for her children and as a Gran she continued to do the same for each of her eight grandchildren. Ian, and his wife, Laura have four daughters- Zoe (15), Ellie (13), Natalie (10), and Emily (7). Hope has two sons- Tucker (10) and Jackson (8). Haley and her high school sweetheart, Chad, married and have two children, a daughter, Nora Elaine (11) named after Nancy, and a son, Connor (14).

She was selfless and would take those grandchildren anywhere they wanted to go. She was the definition of a person who gave more to others than to herself. Each of them have special memories with her. Gran was always baking with the kids, whether it be sausage balls, pound cakes, cookies, or anything they wanted to make. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.

In 15 years, Gran never missed picking up her grandchildren from school. However, on October 18, 2024, she was late picking them up and couldn't be reached on her phone. Her family jumped into action to save her life and did everything they could, but the Lord called her home the next day. Gran was surrounded by her sister, Dianne and Dianne’s husband, Mike Devane, her children and their spouses, and her loving and faithful husband. It was the hardest day of their lives, but we know it was the most important day for her as she entered into the loving arms of Jesus.

Nancy was the very definition of great love. She had great love for her family, great love for her friends, but most importantly she had great love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. While we are mourning the loss of our precious Gran, we must remember to rejoice in knowing we will see her again. Her memory will live on forever through her children and grandchildren, and she will always be in our hearts, sending us little reminders to love one another, be patient, give more than you receive, serve the Lord always, and never miss an opportunity for the Chick-fil-A peach milkshake.

This is not good-bye to David’s wife, a wonderful mother, the most perfect grandmother, and a faithful friend…this is see you again someday in the Kingdom of Heaven. Thank you Nancy; thank you Gran, for showing us what it means to be truly good and what it means to truly love.

All are welcome to celebrate her life on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 10:00am for a Memorial Service at New Providence United Methodist Church at 592 Bernhard Road, Fayetteville, GA 30215. Flowers or plants may be sent to The Harbin Family at 204 Marcie Court, Senoia, GA 30276.