Nanci Cardin

Celebrating a Life That Touched So Many Hearts

Some people pass through our lives and leave memories behind. Nanci changed the hearts of everyone who knew her. Born blind and unable to walk, Nanci experienced the world through sounds, expressions, touch, a few treasured words, and a personality that could fill an entire room. Nanci’s life was never defined by what she could not do. She was defined by the love she gave, the joy she brought, and the lives she touched. She taught us that love does not have to be seen to be felt and that some of life’s most meaningful conversations happen without words.

On January 31, 2013, Nanci came into our care, and our lives changed forever. What began as an opportunity to care for a little girl became one of God’s greatest blessings. On July 9, 2015, we officially adopted her, making legal what our hearts had already known: she was our daughter, and we were her family.

And what a personality our girl had! Nanci could be sweet, sassy, stubborn, funny, and loving—sometimes all within five minutes. She knew what she wanted and had no trouble letting everyone know. She taught us patience, compassion, perseverance, and the importance of celebrating small moments. She showed us that happiness could be found in Mardi Gras beads, that music could connect hearts, and that a simple “thank you” or blown kiss could mean more than a thousand words.

If you knew Nanci, you knew about her love for Mardi Gras beads. She could never have too many. Family, friends, and acquaintances often collected them for her, and she had the time of her life with them.

Most importantly, Nanci taught us that every life has immeasurable value. We may have given Nanci a home, but she gave us a deeper understanding of love, a greater appreciation for life, and memories we will carry forever.

That love was especially evident in Nanci’s relationship with her siblings, Madison, Noah, Wes, and Ian. They welcomed her completely into their childhoods, routines, hearts, and lives. They never treated her as different or made her feel that she did not belong. She was simply their sister. Their Nanci. Together, Madison, Noah, Wes, and Ian gave Nanci the everyday love of siblings. They handed her beads, played with her, shared music, made her laugh, helped with her daily needs, and stepped in whenever an extra pair of hands was needed. They made sacrifices many children and teenagers never have to consider, yet through it all, Nanci was never anything less than their sister. Everyone saw your patience, sacrifices, and love, even on difficult days. You did not just help us care for Nanci—you helped us give her a beautiful life.

Nanci’s circle of love extended beyond our immediate family to friends who became family. Amber Driggers, Nanci’s beloved “homie,” held a special place in her life and in our family. Whenever we called, Amber was willing to help, giving Nanci her time, patience, and genuine affection. More than that, she loved Nanci like her own. Amber’s husband, Bradley, shared Nanci’s enjoyment of WWE wrestling and loved playfully aggravating her just to get a reaction. Their time together was filled with teasing and laughter. Their daughter Caddee loved making Nanci laugh and playing with her Mardi Gras beads.** Kenlee**, known as “Nanci’s bestie,” shared an extraordinary friendship with her. She did not focus on Nanci’s disabilities; she simply saw her friend and loved her exactly as she was.** While others might have noticed Nanci’s disabilities first, Kenlee saw her friend.** Amber’s son, Roman, loved playing ball with Nanci, and she always made him smile. Bradley’s brother, Jeremey, spent time hanging out with Nanci, playing with her beads, and enjoying her company.

Amber, Bradley, Caddee, Kenlee, Roman, and Jeremey became an extension of our family. We will always be grateful for the love and friendship they gave Nanci and our entire family.

A Special Friendship With Nina Jones

Another special friendship was the one Nanci shared with Nina Jones. Nina showed Nanci a beautiful, compassionate friendship. She never overlooked Nanci or left her on the sidelines. Nina loved pushing Nanci in her wheelchair, spending time with her, and making her laugh. She treated Nanci as a friend and made sure she felt included.

Nanci’s love continues through the family and friends who cherish her memory.

Welcoming Nanci Into Heaven

As we grieve Nanci’s passing, we find comfort in imagining the heavenly reunion awaiting her in the arms of Jesus. Welcoming Nanci into heaven are her beloved sister, JoAnna Cardin; her brother, Lester Kane Cardin; her maternal grandparents, James and Elizabeth Welch; her paternal grandfather, John Cardin Sr.; her maternal great-grandparents, Noah and Ruth Welch; and her paternal great-grandparents, Lester and Jo Wallace, and J.W. and Viola Cardin. .

Those Left Behind to Cherish Her Memory

Her loving parents are John and Carolyn Cardin. She is also survived by her siblings, Josh Moses and his wife, Bri; Krystal Grazier; Madison Arabie; Noah Cardin; Wes Cardin; and Ian Cardin; and her paternal grandmother, Florence Cardin. She also leaves behind loving aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends. Though her place in our home can never be filled, her place in our hearts can never be taken away.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Our family is deeply grateful to everyone who cared for Nanci and supported us throughout her journey.

To Franklin Medical Center, thank you for the many times you cared for Nanci and our family.

To NELA Ambulance Service, thank you for safely transporting her to the hospital and being there when we needed help most.

To Dr. Colvin and the staff at Dr. Colvin’s office, thank you for always going above and beyond for Nanci.

To Mangham Home Care, thank you for loving and caring for Nanci over the last year and a half. Your patience and kindness became part of her daily life.

To Elara Hospice and Lindsey Mullican, although our time together was short, your compassion during such a tender season left a lasting impression.

To Our Life Church Family

Our deepest love and gratitude go to our beloved Life Church family and Brother Kevin and Kayla Bates. Throughout the years we cared for Nanci, you stood beside us through the good days, difficult days, hospital stays, and uncertain moments. You covered us in prayer, surrounded us with love, and reminded us that we never walked this journey alone. You did not just pray for Nanci; you loved her. You have truly been the hands and feet of Jesus to our family.** Thank you for loving our girl, loving our family, and being part of the beautiful story God wrote through Nanci’s life.

Until We Meet Again, Our Beautiful Girl

Nanci, you were never just part of our story.You changed the entire story.

Rest in the arms of Jesus, our beautiful Nanci.

Until we meet again, may heaven be filled with music, Mardi Gras beads, and the joy that made your spirit shine so brightly here. We love you beyond words, sweet girl. We always have, and we always will. Your life was a blessing. Your memory is a treasure. And your love will remain with us forever.

Celebration of life services will be held 6 pm Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Life Church, Winnsboro, under the direction of Dennard First National Funeral Home.  Visitation will be 4 - 6 pm Tuesday at the church.