Nancy Connor Gallaher, 77, of Thunderbolt, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 21, 2022.

Nancy was born on May 30, 1945 in Savannah, GA to Kenneth Wade Connor and Claudine Cathryn Crowley Connor and was younger sister to Kenneth Connor.  In 1963, she married Maury Clyde Gallaher III (Buddy), and they resided primarily in Thunderbolt, GA for the duration of their 59 year marriage. It was in the second generation, Gallaher family home on Bonaventure Road where they raised five children surrounded by the love and security of a simpler time of rope swings, tree houses, front porch sitting, and playing outside till dark. Nancy was a nurturing wife and mother who not only “grew” her children and later her grandchildren into caring human beings, but who was also a master gardener and plant enthusiast. Every plant in her care flourished, as did her entire family.  But Nancy’s care and concern always went beyond her home sphere. It expanded to extended family, neighbors, and her community. She frequently found time to volunteer to help those in need, and she did so cheerfully. She always recognized the human being in every situation and used compassion and sometimes humor to meet people where they were. 

After being a stay-at-home mom for many years, Nancy earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Georgia Southern University and went on to work as a Special Education teacher at Sol C. Johnson High School for over 25 years retiring in 2021. After retirement, she worked at Habersham School as a Teacher’s Aide for the 2021-2022 school year, a role which she cherished as it afforded her the opportunity to be part of her granddaughters’ education. Also, Nancy was committed to a life of service to the Lord as a member of Grace Church of the Islands on Wilmington Island. 

In addition to being a loving wife, mother, Nana and friend, Nancy reigned supreme as the family wordsmith with an uncanny ability to always capture through words the perfect sentiment to brighten anyone’s day from birthday cards and book inscriptions to notes in care packages and lighthearted texts. Her contagious laugh made even her corniest jokes hilarious. Her stunning blue eyes drew people to her. Her gift for seeing beauty everywhere and finding joy in the simplest moments of life was truly inspiring. Nancy’s presence was remarkable and the world was a better place everywhere she roamed. She will be sorely missed by many. There are numerous words to describe Nancy, but the word that resonates most clearly is Selfless. She has touched many lives through her compassionate spirit and love of education. 

Nancy committed her life to the care and advocacy of special needs youth and their families, so we ask in lieu of flowers that financial and volunteer time donations be made in Nancy’s name to Pegasus Riding Academy, a therapeutic riding program that provides equine-assisted activities for individuals with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. Donations may be made online at prasav.org or mailed to Pegasus Riding Academy 2500 Tennessee Ave Savannah, GA 31404.

Preceded in death by her parents, Nancy is survived by her husband, Maury Clyde Gallaher III (Buddy), her children Tracie Gallaher Tinghitella, married to James Tinghitella of Tallahassee, FL, Maury Wade Gallaher and Connie King of Toledo, WA, Cathryn Gallaher Ramsey, married to Edwin Joseph Ramsey Jr of Savannah, GA, Marlena Gallaher Sopira married to William David Sopira of Jacksonville, FL, Sarah Gallaher Mallett, married to Jeffrey Mark Mallett of Thunderbolt, GA, six grandchildren, Rocco James Tinghitella, Edwin Joseph Ramsey III, Alec Timothy Ramsey, Kian Daniel Ramsey, Graysen Louise Mallett, and Madeline Campbell Mallett, her brother Kenneth Connor of Guyton, GA, sister-in-law Martha Connor of Savannah, GA and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 22, 2022 at Fox & Weeks, Islands Chapel.

Funeral Service will be at 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 23, 2022 at Grace Church of the Islands, 6901 Concord Road, Savannah, GA 31410.   Burial will be private.