Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

March 14, 2024

CHARLOTTE – On Thursday, March 14, 2024, the long life of Nancy Barnhardt Thomas came to a peaceful close.  Nancy was born on May 28, 1932, at Presbyterian Hospital to William Horace Barnhardt of Pioneer Mills, NC and Margaret McLaughlin Barnhardt of Latrobe, PA.

Nancy walked to Myers Park Elementary, roller skated to A.G. Junior High, and graduated from Central High School in 1950 and Marjorie Webster Junior College in Washington, DC.  After returning to Charlotte, she taught weekday preschool at Myers Park Presbyterian Church.  Nancy was front and center when a large group of Charlotte debutantes were featured on the July 1951 cover of Life Magazine.  She met her future husband, Bill on a blind date arranged by his cousin, Vernon Goode.  They quickly became sweethearts and married on April 1st (no foolin'), 1955 at Myers Park Presbyterian Church.  They continued to be members of the church for over 60 years and enjoyed attending sessions with the John Calvin Sunday School Class members and participating in social activities.

Nancy had fond memories of her four children picking up pecans from the seven trees in the yard of their home on Red Fox Trail.  The children cracked pecans and she baked delicious pies from the nuts.  Some of Nancy's recipes were included in the Women's Auxiliary of Home Builders Association of Charlotte cookbook, as well as the Junior League's Charlotte Cookbook. Neighbors frequently commented on her scrumptious chocolate cakes and brownies, which were even sampled by Fred Kirby on a visit to Tweetsie Railroad.

Nancy enjoyed trips with her family to see Bill's relatives in California and vacations to Ocean Isle Beach.  Time spent with her grandchildren at North Litchfield Beach gave Nancy many treasured memories.  After downsizing from their house of 32 years, Nancy and Bill enjoyed the many friendships of their fellow residents at The Carlton condominium.

Nancy is survived by her four children, Bill (Didi) of New Kent, VA, Richard (Debby), Meg, and Charlie (Tracy); five grandchildren, Margaret Thomas (Alex Schmid), Laura Thomas (Andrew Poindexter), Jacqueline Runne (Adam), Sam Thomas (Kari), and Victoria Vaughan (Kyle) and four great grandchildren, Liam Thomas, Henry and Madeleine Runne, and Ben Schmid.  Also surviving are her brother, David Barnhardt, and many nieces and nephews from California to Poland.  She was predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, Bill Thomas, and her brothers, Charlie and Bill Barnhardt.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the devoted caregivers from Aldersgate at Home, especially Jeanette Mezuma, Jackie Stevens, Brikty Seyeum and Charles James, and the nurses and employees of Asbury Health and Rehabilitation Center.

The life of Nancy Thomas will be celebrated by her family and friends at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Myers Park Presbyterian Church.  The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Nancy to Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC 28207 or Florence Crittenton Services at Crittenton of North Carolina, c/o Development Office, PO Box 36392, Charlotte, NC 28236 or Nourish Up (Formerly Loaves & Fishes), PO Box 680791, Charlotte, NC 28216 or the charity of donor’s choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.