Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

August 24, 2025

Nancy Shand Thigpen of Charlotte died on August 24, 2025, at the age of 94. She was born in Philadelphia on January 12, 1931, to Nancy Tripp and Alexander Capie Shand.

Mrs. Thigpen attended the University of Pennsylvania for one year and served on the Student Council. In 1949, she transferred to Duke University School of Nursing where she served as class president and was a volunteer at the Lenox Baker Cerebral Palsy Hospital. She left school before her senior year to get married but subsequently earned her BA degree with honors at UNC Charlotte majoring in history and political science. She was a member of Phi Alpha Theta International History Society, the University Forum Council, and the Athletic Foundation.

While at Duke, Mrs. Thigpen met Richard E. “Dick” Thigpen, Jr. and they were married on December 15, 1951, in Devon, Pennsylvania, while he was serving in the U.S. Navy. They moved to Mr. Thigpen’s hometown, Charlotte, in 1958 where he began the practice of law.

Mrs. Thigpen was a member of the Junior League of Charlotte, the Charlotte Assembly, the Charlotte Country Club, and Webhannet Golf Club in Maine. The Thigpens enjoyed extensive travel with friends, The Friendship Force, and People to People. They particularly enjoyed those trips where they were able to interact with people of different cultures. Mrs. Thigpen was an avid reader, a competitive golfer, an accomplished bridge player, and a wise investor.

During the years when her children were young, she was an active member of the PTA and Parents Council Boards at Eastover Elementary, A.G. Junior High, and Charlotte Country Day schools. Through the years, Mrs. Thigpen also contributed to her community as a volunteer for the United Way, The Arts and Science Council, Charlotte Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Community Health Services, the Speech and Hearing Center, and as a discussion leader for the Senior Scholars program.

When her children were in college, she earned her Real Estate Brokers License, graduated from the Real Estate Institute in Chapel Hill, and earned her G.R.I degree. For many years she successfully found the perfect home for many friends and clients.

Mrs. Thigpen exhibited her strong faith through her gentle, kind nature and as an active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Charlotte and St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Kennebunkport, Maine. She served on the Altar Guild and in numerous other ways at both churches for many years. Her unconditional love of and devotion to her family, together with her unwavering optimism and faith have had a lasting and positive influence on each member of her extended family.

Mrs. Thigpen is survived by Richard E. Thigpen, Jr. her husband of 73 years; a daughter, Susan T. Carlson and husband, Peter; a son, Richard M. Thigpen and wife, Kathryn; three grandsons: Fr. Bede Christopher Thigpen, OFM Conv., Justin Thigpen, and Nicholas Thigpen and wife, Rachel; twin granddaughters: Marielle and Sophie Thigpen; and five great grandchildren: Lucas, Bennett, Harrison, Louisa, and Zoe.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 5, at 2:00 pm at Christ Episcopal Church with the Reverend Lisa Saunders officiating. The service will be live-streamed through the Christ Church website – www.christchurchcharlotte.org. The family will receive friends in the Blue Room at the church following the service. Interment will be private.

Memorials may be sent to VIA Health Partners, Southminster, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

The family would like to express its gratitude to Mrs. Thigpen’s many friends and to Michael Johnson, MD, Geoffrey Rose, MD, Luke Neilans, MD, Crystal Futrell, RN, VIA Health Partners, and Southminster Embrace for their loving care and support.

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