Nancy Sinclair Saltsman

Nancy Sinclair (Banks) Saltsman, died Sunday, March 26, 2017. Born in Ripley, Tennessee on March 9, 1935, Nancy was the daughter of Dorah Bowen (King) and Rodrick Sinclair Banks. She was 82 years old. Shortly after Nancy's birth, the Banks family moved to Florence, Alabama, later to District Heights, Maryland during World War II, and then returning to Florence, Alabama where she graduated from High School. Nancy then attended nearby Florence State Teachers College where she earned her baccalaureate degree and teaching certificate. She later enrolled in Arizona State University and earned a Master's Degree in Special Education. Upon completion of her Master's degree, she began working with special populations and among Native American populations in Mesa, AZ. She also served as a camp counselor during the inaugural opening of Camp Blue Haven near Las Vegas, New Mexico in 1957. At the request of a roommate, she traveled to Mountain Home, Idaho, where she met William "Bill" Saltsman who was serving in the U.S. Air Force. Bill quickly fell for Nancy and pledged to marry her if she would return later that year. She did, and after a quick courtship, they were married on October 12, 1961. Nancy worked as a school teacher in Anton, Texas and later as childcare worker at Tennessee Orphans Home and Boles Children's Home. Her latest work was serving as a missionary in Korca, Albania for almost 12 years until she and her husband retired in 2007. She also served as a full-time homemaker and loving mother and wife. Mrs. Saltsman was a member of Southern Hills Church of Christ. She also exercised regularly with her friends at the State Street YMCA of Abilene and volunteered at local agencies. Her parents and husband preceded Nancy in death. Nancy is survived by her son, George Thomas Saltsman and wife, Kristen Denise (Kelly) of Abilene; daughter, Dorah Johnson-Cole of Waynesboro, Tennessee; and three grandchildren, Carrie Ann Saltsman, Brayden Grissom Johnson and Brylie Sinclair Johnson. Survivors also include one sister, Eleanor Banks of Canton, OH and two brothers and spouses, Rodrick and Lenoir Banks of Baton Rouge, LA and James and Ellen Banks of San Diego, CA. A memorial service will be held in the Chapel at Southern Hills Church of Christ, 3666 Buffalo Gap Rd. on Wednesday, March 29 at 5:00pm.