Nancy Carroll MacNair

Nancy Carroll MacNair, 88, of Athens, GA, died peacefully in her home surrounded by family on May 10, 2026. Nancy grew up in Swarthmore, PA, where Quaker projects on peace and social justice inspired her. Her education included an undergraduate degree in Sociology from Oberlin College, and master’s degrees from U. of Michigan (Social Work) and U. of Georgia (Health Promotion). In 1959, she married Ray MacNair, and they moved to India to teach English for two years. They raised two biological and two adopted, biracial children. The family lived in Tuskegee, AL for eight years, the joyous and significant experience of being a minority.

Nancy and Ray moved to Athens in 1975, where Nancy was named "Athens Woman of the Year" in 1977 for her volunteer work with the Family Planning Clinic, Nurse Midwifery Clinic, and Teen Pregnancy task forces. She then worked as a Health and HIV/AIDS Educator at the UGA Health Service for 17 years. In 2013, Nancy was honored by the UGA Women's Studies faculty for “Women whose impact is felt across the UGA campus and Athens community." At the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, she was an active member of the choir, a past Board member and President, and served on the Social Action Committee.

Nancy and Ray moved from the Green Acres neighborhood in 1999 and built a house in Kenney Ridge, an intentional, ecological community with energy efficient homes, a community garden, and community potlucks.

Nancy was preceded in death by her son, Steve, and husband, Ray. She is survived by her son, Doug (wife Valerie, grandchildren David and Jason, and great grandchild Hannah), daughter Rebecca (husband Stephen and grandchild Allison) and daughter Kathleen, who lovingly cared for her at home for four years. She is also survived by her four younger siblings.

Memorial services will be planned for a later date at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens (UUFA.org), where she was a member since 1976. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the https://EconomicJusticeCoalition.org or the UUFA.org, both located at 780 Timothy Rd., Athens, GA 30606.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville is entrusted with arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.