Nancy Williams Vellano

It is with deep gratitude and full hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Nancy Williams Vellano, age 81. Known to so many as Aunt Nancy, Auntsy, Mom, Little Sister - but most fondly remembered as The Non, the world’s best grandmother - Nancy leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, unmatched sass and a trail of friendships deeply enriched by her presence.

Born on June 11, 1943, in Asheville, North Carolina, to Ruby Cole and Emmett Williams, Nancy’s life was a story of childhood challenges, hard work, deep faith, and unshakable love for her friends that became family.

In 1964, she met and was instantly swept off her feet by her future husband Curtis, with whom she enjoyed 51 years of marriage before his passing in June 2017. She was employed for many years by the state of North Carolina, first in the Highway Patrol office and later as a teacher’s assistant at Oakley and Fairview Elementary schools, retiring in 2001. She was a faithful member of Oakley UMC and enjoyed many afternoons playing Bingo with fellow members.

Nancy is survived by her daughter Kristin Skipper and her husband Tony, of Walkertown, NC; her cherished grandson John William Skipper of Woodbury, NJ; and her beloved big sister Joann McIntosh - with whom she shared a lifetime of laughter, volunteering for their community and enjoyed a friendly competition over who made the best chicken salad and whose britches had grown the biggest over the years.

Nancy also leaves behind a wide and wonderful extended family, including her “favorite nephews” (a title she generously awarded to both), Vincent Vellano Carter and his wife Sidney and Kenneth Alan McIntosh, all of Asheville, NC.

Among her treasured relationships was her lifelong best friend Nancy Griffin of Fairview, NC. With Nancy G and her legendary crew of bingo-playing, car-riding, thrift store-hopping and graveyard-visiting buddies, she found joy in every hidden treasure, every winding backroad and every shared memory over sweet tea and a good hamburger. She leaves behind her treasured dog Maxx and granddog George.

Nancy’s greatest love in life was of children, she believed all children deserve to be loved unconditionally, to be treated with respect and to be given an equal chance. We would be honored if you would direct a donation in her name to the Buncombe County Schools Foundation, attn. Christy Cheek, ED, 175 Bingham Road, Asheville, NC 28803, earmarked for Oakley Elementary School.

A celebration of Nancy’s wonderful life is planned for Sunday June 29th at 2pm at Oakley United Methodist Church, followed by a backyard BBQ in true Non-style - full of good food, great stories and loads of love!

Hayworth-Miller is assisting the family.