Nancy Wallace Dunham

Mrs. Nancy Wallace Dunham, 79, of Salisbury, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 6, 2023, at Novant Health/Rowan Medical Center after a period of declining health. She was born January 30, 1944, the much-loved older child of Charles and Nancy Thompson Wallace. Her childhood was idyllic, a source of many happy memories. In 1966 she graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in Elementary Education, and taught school for a couple of years before starting her family. At UNC she was affiliated with the Tri Delta Sorority and was presented at the NC Terpsichorean Ball. Preceding her in death are her parents, her maternal grandparents Emmette and Gertrude Thompson and paternal grandparents Leo and Ella Wallace. Nancy is survived by her husband John Michael Dunham, whom she married August 19, 1984, sister Kay Wallace Coltrain (Raymond), sons Wallace Thurston Upchurch (Carly) of Big Canoe, GA, and Charles Thompson Upchurch of Charlotte, NC; stepchildren Linda Gentry Parker of Stockton Springs, ME, John Stanton Dunhan (Charlotte) of Charlotte, NC, and Sara Nicholas Bryant (David) of Concord, NC. She was blessed with many grandchildren, Taylor, Jordan, Katie and Margaret Upchurch; Clara and Chess Parker; John and Rainey Dunham; and Peyton, Sara Wilder, Lilly, Bess, and Mary Stanton Bryant. Nancy also leaves behind many adored cousins and friends who will miss her wit, charm and infectious laughter. Nancy had a special talent; she could light up every room she was in, and every conversation. Before her health declined, Nancy was involved in civic and social activities. She served several terms on the Rowan Museum Board of Directors, was an active board member of Historic Salisbury Foundation and was a founding member of the Peripatetic Reviewers Book Club. Nancy was an animal lover and adopted many furry friends throughout her adult life, spoiling them all. The family suggests that memorials be made to the Humane Society of Rowan County, P.O. Box 295, Salisbury, NC 28145, or to the charity of your choice. Visitation will be Thursday, October 12 from 5-6pm. Online condolences may be left at www.summersettfuneralhome.com. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Dunham family.

Nancy Wallace Dunham

January 30, 1944 - October 6, 2023