Obituary of Nancy Paulling Abernathy

Nancy Paulling Abernathy, age 87, of Indian Harbour Beach Florida passed away on February 22, 2023. Nancy was born in Kingston, Missouri to John Randolph and Ruth Elizabeth (Braschler) Paulling and is predeceased by her parents and brother, John Randolph Paulling Jr. She is survived by her spouse of 64 years, John Abernathy; Son, Mark Abernathy; Daughter, Kerry Johnson; Son-in-law, Keith Johnson; Granddaughters, Katy Johnson, Kalin Abernathy, and Victoria Abernathy; and Grandson, Kyle Johnson.

Nancy graduated from high school in Rome, Italy then earned a BS in Home Economics from Florida Southern College in 1957. Nancy and John were introduced by their mothers in Fairlington, Virginia. After a three-year courtship traveling between Florida, Virginia, and the USMA in NY, they married on August 2, 1958. Nancy became an expert in military life supporting John’s Air Force career. She mastered cross-country moves, selling and buying homes and cars, repurposing furniture and home décor, and running the household while raising two children.

Nancy always loved Florida. Retiring to Indian Harbour Beach was the perfect place to slow down after a hectic life and enjoy travel with family and friends to Alaska, Hawaii, North Carolina, Europe, Peru, and Africa. Nancy shared her love of art serving as a Docent at the Ruth Funk Center for Textile Arts, volunteering with the Melbourne Art Festival Scholarship committee, and at a Master’s Workshop along with a team from Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Her heart was always focused on children; her own children, her grandkids, and children in need. She loved time with her family sharing her passion for the Brevard Zoo, tennis, sewing, painting, and cooking, and could always be counted on as a Haven Guild Chef du Jour.

Nancy will be missed as a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. The family will have a private celebration of life and Nancy will be laid to rest at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at a future date. Donations may be made in memory of Nancy Paulling Abernathy to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org or The Haven for Children www.thehavenforchildren.com