Nancy Collins Talley

Nancy Jane Collins Talley passed away on April 4, 2025, at the Hundley Center, in South Hill, Virginia, at the age of 83. She was born in Henderson, North Carolina on September 25, 1941, to the late Robert David Collins, Jr. and Ormond Moore Collins.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Frankie Stephen Talley. She was also preceded in death by her brother-in-law Johnny Lewis Talley.

Nancy is survived by her daughter, Alyson Talley Elliott and husband Michael Edward Elliott, of Buffalo Junction. In addition, she is survived by her three grandchildren, Jane Clare Elliott, Mitchell Stephen Elliott, and Thomas Blaine Elliott all of Buffalo Junction. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Carolyn Overton Talley of Clarksville. Nancy was fortunate to have many close friends that she and Frankie considered family.

Nancy graduated from Franklinton High School in Franklinton, North Carolina, as the Class of 1959’s Salutatorian. After high school, she attended East Carolina College in Greenville, North Carolina, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in English Education. In 1982, she obtained a Master of Science degree in Supervision and Administration from Longwood College.

Nancy Talley was born to teach. She knew she wanted to teach since her first day of school at Franklinton Elementary School. She began her teaching career at Halifax County High School, in South Boston, Virginia, immediately upon graduation. After marrying Frankie, she spent the next 40+ years at Bluestone Senior High School, formerly located in Skipwith, Virginia. Nancy epitomized the definition of Baron Pride! She left an indelible mark on the minds of the students. whom she taught throughout her career. (She was also known to leave an indelible mark with her red pen on the papers of those same students.) She retired from Bluestone in 2003. Nancy embarked on her final teaching journey as an adjunct professor of College Composition for Southside Virginia Community College. After that, most people knew that they could still reach her by phone, email, text, or Facebook if they needed guidance, teaching, or her strong opinions on any matter.

Nancy was a member of Clarksville Baptist Church in Clarksville, VA, where she loved singing in the choir but loved her Sunday School class even more. She was a member of the Clarksville Ruritan Club where she served on the Scholarship committee. It was there that she was able to continue her passion for students by reading the essays submitted by candidates hoping to receive a Ruritan scholarship. Nancy was a member of Twin Rivers Garden Club and many book clubs. A club that was most precious to her was her Thursday night dinners with the ETC group (aka the Eating Teachers Club.)

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, April 7th at Clarksville Baptist Church with the Reverend Dr. Greg Randall officiating. A reception will follow immediately afterwards. Burial will follow at Oakhurst Cemetery.

Nancy loved to give and help others, especially her students, family, and friends. In lieu of flowers and donations, her daughter is asking for everyone to do at least one good deed, and while completing it, whisper, “For Nancy.”

Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home is honored to serve the Talley family and offers online condolences by visiting their website, www.watkinscooperlyon.com or by going to their Facebook page.