Nancy Evelyn Barnes McPherson, 75, of Tryon passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Feb. 20, 2013.

She was born Nov. 7, 1937 in Gastonia, the daughter of George and Nancy Barnes. She graduated from business school in Gastonia and received her bachelor of arts in education, Cum Laude, from the University of Indiana in 1974.

In 1958 she married Dr. James C. McPherson at Olney Presbyterian Church in Gastonia.  They were happily married for 54 years.

Mrs. McPherson taught elementary school in Indiana, Ill., and 20 years in the Tryon area.  She was honored as teacher of the year in Polk County. After retirement, Nancy was very active in the Tryon community. She loved her church, Tryon Presbyterian, and was very involved there. She led the Stephen Ministry program, was a member of the PYPs, was involved in the Sunday school program, and served as an elder at Tryon Presbyterian.
In addition, Nancy was an officer for AAUW, an active member of the retired teacher’s association, and was very active in our political process. Formerly she was on the board of the Lanier Library. It’s no surprise that  Nancy was also a proud honoree of the Second Wind Hall of Fame.

Nancy will be remembered for her sense of fun, her commitment to helping others and her love for God.
Nancy is survived by her husband Jim; her son, Van and Diane McPherson of Taylorsville; a daughter, Marty and Eric Payne of Bloomington, Ill.; a brother, John and Bonnie Barnes of Orlando, Fla.; two grandchildren, CJ McPherson and Shannon Payne, and several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, two brothers and a sister.

Services will be held at Tryon Presbyterian Church, 430 Harmon Field Road, Tryon, North Carolina at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26. A reception will follow the service.

Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills or Tryon Presbyterian Church.