Nancy Mauney

Nancy Ann Cathey Mauney of Columbia, Tenn., Nashville, Tenn., Atlanta, Ga., Reston, Va., and Tiburon, Calif., passed away on December 9, 2022 at her home in Columbia. She is survived by her husband of 44 years John K. Mauney, Jr., her sons Robert Andrew Mauney of Columbia and John Alexander Mauney of Reston, Va., her mother Laura Barnes Cathey of Columbia, her sisters Barbara Cathey Winchester (Keith Winchester) of Columbia and Dr. Christie Cathey Long (Wiley Long, III) of Hermosa Beach, California, her brother Robert Reynolds Cathey, Jr. (Amy Stevenson Cathey) of Knoxville, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Reynolds Cathey, Sr. of Columbia.

Nancy was born on October 29, 1955 in Ponce, Puerto Rico. She graduated from Central High School in 1973 before attending Columbia State Community College and earning a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and a stalwart fan of Tennessee Volunteer athletics, especially its football program, believing specifically that the “all orange” uniforms held magical powers over opponents.

Nancy met John at a party at the Elk’s Lodge in Columbia in 1976 and the two were married at First United Methodist Church in 1978. She was a page for former U.S. Congressman Robin Beard and worked for both Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Hospital Corporation of America before starting her family. Nancy loved her boys and was a fierce advocate for them, dedicating her energy to their upbringing. Later, Nancy worked as a preschool teacher and at Reston Hospital in Virginia before moving back to Columbia in 2016.

Everywhere Nancy lived, neighbors and friends were drawn to her open, giving personality. She was deeply loved by her family, coworkers, and community for her limitless energy, contagious laughter, plainspoken perspectives, and focus on others. No task was beneath Nancy, and she frequently led the way in rallying others to get done whatever needed to be done. Nancy’s faith in Jesus Christ sustained her and guided her life, and she is responsible for bringing others to Him. Her favorite hymn was “Be Still My Soul”.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration via GoFundMe, at: https://www.gofundme.com/nancymauney