Nancy Gay Carter Kennedy was born to the late George W. Carter, Jr. and Polly Shoulders Carter on July 19, 1950, in Nashville, Tennessee and was raised in Westmoreland, Tennessee. Nancy peacefully transitioned on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

While in the first grade, she met William Michael "Mike" Kennedy who was also raised in Westmoreland, Tennessee. After many years, they married in 1973. In 1975 they welcomed their first child, Amanda Gay, and in 1977 they welcomed their second, Lesley Michael.

After graduating from Westmoreland High School, she attended Austin Peay State University and later attended Volunteer State Community College, was employed by the State of Tennessee and then by First American National Bank. While employed at First American she supported Mike as he worked full-time at Dupont and pursued his business interests. During this time, she poured her love, time, and effort into raising their two daughters alongside Mike until she left full-time employment with the bank and helped Mike manage their various businesses.

At a young age she gave her life to Christ at Westmoreland First Baptist Church and was baptized at First Baptist Church Gallatin Main. Following in her mother's footsteps, she became a cheerleader in high school. During her young adult life, she was the pianist and organist at Westmoreland First Baptist and later in life Nancy attended First Baptist Church Hendersonville and was also a member of the Eastern Star. Nancy loved playing the piano, singing with her parents and siblings on Sunday afternoons, going on long drives in the country, and spending time with her grandsons.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, George and Polly, and is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 53 years, Mike, her adoring children Amanda (Scott), and Lesley (Dale), her grandchildren, Paxton and Cade, her sister Polly, brother George III (Cyndy), and her sister Emily. Nancy is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, and a host of cousins and other extended family.

Funeral services for Mrs. Kennedy will be conducted on Monday, April 6th, 2026 at 12PM from the chapel of Woodard Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Upper Bethpage Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Monday, April 6th from 9AM till service time at 12PM at Woodard Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the First Baptist Church Hendersonville Back Pack Ministry, Food Bank of Sumner County or to Foreign Missions.

The family has entrusted Woodard Funeral Home with the care of their loved one. "Serving you as we would like to be served."