Carolyn Nance Rucker

Carolyn Nance Rucker, 84, of Elberton, Georgia, died at her home on August 21 after a nearly year-long battle with cancer. 

She was born October 2, 1938 in Birmingham, Alabama to Richard and Lucille Nance. Carolyn was the youngest of four children. As a young adult, she attended the University of Montevallo and began her career in the group insurance industry. In 1977, she co-founded Group Underwriters, Inc. with home offices in Elberton. She also owned and operated the children's clothing store Mom & Me on the Elberton Square from 1989 to 1993. With her generous nature, she gave away almost as many clothes as she sold, including to the needy families. In the late 1990s, for several years, she wrote a humor column for The Elberton Star. She was a member of Middleton United Methodist Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir for many years. 

Carolyn was a force of nature who passionately loved all animals, sports (especially college football), gardening, trees, swimming, singing, books (especially spy thrillers), history (especially Russian and World War II history), the beach, and cooking and eating a great meal. Her family and friends will miss her terribly. She loved to laugh and make others laugh. She would much rather have people smiling about their best and silliest memories of her instead of crying over their loss. 

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Guy Whitner Rucker, Jr., her son, Mark Rucker; her brothers, Bob Nance, Mike Nance, and Richard Nance; and her parents. 

She is survived by her daughters, Pam Lilith of Lancaster, PA and Lynda Rucker; her stepson Greg Rucker of Glendale, AZ; daughter-in-law Rita Wilhite of Elberton; her grandson Matthew Rucker of Bowman; her granddaughters Carie Anne Dale of Elberton, Catherine Craddock of Athens, GA, and Emily Craddock of Brooklyn, NY; granddaughter-in-law Tiffany Rucker and grandson-in-law Jason Trapanese; her great-grandchildren, Kylee Dale, Kendall Dale, Makayla Martin, David Rucker, Samuel Rucker, and Marcus Umble; her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and her beloved dog and cats. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to Alley Cat Allies, 7920 Norfolk Ave Ste 600, Bethesda, MD 20814-2525. This is an organization with a mission that reflects her own lifelong love of and care for unwanted cats.

No formal services are planned, but the family will be gathered at Carolyn’s home welcoming visitors from 3:30 to 6:30 pm on Saturday, September 2, 2023.

Arrangements for Carolyn Nance Rucker are in the care of Hicks Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Elberton.