Nancy Carol (Ellison) Belcher

Nancy was born on April 21, 1942, to Charlie Ellison and Lillie “Dolly” Ellison in Orchard, West Virginia. After graduating from Peterstown High School in 1960, Nancy earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Concord College. She continued her academic journey at West Virginia University obtaining a master’s degree in education. Nancy married the love of her life, Frank Owen Belcher, Jr, in 1965 embarking on an adventure that would last them nearly 35 years. In 1971, she took a break from teaching to start a family and devoted her love and attention to raising two daughters, Kara and Laurie. Frank and Nancy owned and operated East Tennessee Temperature Control for nearly two decades.

Nancy’s life reflected her deep faith in Jesus Christ. She and her family were devoted members of Manley Baptist Church in Morristown, TN. She used her spiritual gifts as a member of the choir, Sunday school teacher, leader in Bible Drill as well as Bible Study Fellowship. After moving to Knoxville, she became a member of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church. Nancy continued to find joy in worship and was especially fond of singing in KnoxCAM choir, sharing the good news of Jesus.

Nancy’s heart belonged to her family. She is survived by her daughters Kara Belcher Cooley (Matt) and Laurie Belcher Meyers (Bret), granddaughters Maggie Cooley Hammermaster (Sam), Caroline Meyers, Lillie Cooley, Molly Meyers, grandson Charlie Meyers, sister-in-law Shirley Goad (Clinton) and cousins Ted Long (Elizabeth) and Chucky Long (Donna).

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Frank Owen Belcher, Jr; her parents Charlie Ellison and Lillie "Dolly" Ellison; and her aunt Virginia Long.

Nancy loved to travel and delighted in exploring new places with those she loved. She also had a special affection for dogs, especially dachshunds, who brought warmth and companionship into her home.

Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched as a loving wife, mother, nana, friend, and faithful servant. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Concord Place Memory Care. Their love and care over the last seventeen months brought joy to Nancy and the family.

The family will receive friends from 9am – 11am on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, TN. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to KnoxCAM at knoxcam.org or Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church (Global Missions) at cspc.net.