Nancy Kale Kerby

October 17, 1940 – March 5, 2025

Nancy Kale Kerby, age 84, of Glenwood, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, Mississippi, surrounded by loved ones. Born on October 17, 1940, she was the youngest of nine siblings born to Ada Belle Chambers Smyser and Everett Phillip Smyser. Nancy was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Nancy devoted her young life to being a mom.  After her youngest child graduated from high school, she took a teaching position in Brownsville, Texas. She described it as the bravest thing she had ever done. She taught both elementary school and high school special education for the Brownsville Independent School District. Her impact on her students' lives was reflected in how the Spanish culture of South Texas enriched her own life. After teaching, she traveled around the world; she visited six continents with her husband Keith.

Although Nancy traveled the world, she said she was happiest at home. She was a kind, smart, strong woman who loved reading, springtime, a good cup of coffee, and the feeling of fresh sheets on her bed. She is loved and greatly missed.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her first son, Lance Thompson Kerby; and her siblings, Payton Duboise Smyser (wife Juanita), Anna Lou Bird (husband Sandy), and Mary Belle Durham (husband Donald).

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Robert Keith Kerby; her children, Travis Lincoln Kerby (wife Deedra) and Cynthia Kerby Mattingly (husband Mitchell); her grandchildren, Savannah Kerby Williams (husband Nicholas), Schuyler Lincoln Kerby (husband Alex), Chariton Kale Kerby (partner Kawon), Austin Taylor Marks (wife Leah), and Thomas Baker Mattingly;  her great-grandchildren, Willa Ann Griffin, Jonah Hugh Griffin, Wesley Kaye Griffin, and Henry Keith Marks. She is also survived by her siblings: Edith May Glenn (husband Earl deceased), Esther Ray Cypert (husband Al), Virginia Lee Melvin (husband Robert deceased), Everett Quinten Smyser (wife Marie), and Glen Manley Smyser (wife Mary), along with many extended family members, friends, and loved ones.

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A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Norman Funeral Home in Lancaster, Missouri with Brad Drummond officiating and Sonny Smyser with a closing prayer. Music will be a special selection of "I'll Fly Away."  Memorials have been established for the Glenwood Cemetery in Glenwood, Missouri. A private burial will be in the Glenwood Cemetery in Glenwood, Missouri.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Norman Funeral Home of Lancaster, Missouri.