Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Nancy Ellen Salley, 87, known lovingly as “Nana” of Mt. Hope, WV. A beacon of warmth, wisdom and knowledge, transitioned peacefully from this life on Monday, January 27, 2025. She was born in Whipple, WV on April 30, 1937.

Nancy was the first of ten children of the late Clyde and Josephine (McKinney) Owens.

Nancy’s early years were nurtured in Whipple, WV where she attended Scarbro Elementary School. The family later moved to Mount Hope, WV, where she joined the church at an early age and she later graduated from DuBois High School in 1956. Her favorite subjects were Accounting, Shorthand, and Typing.

Nancy, after finishing high school, attended West Virginia State University, a HBCU University, where she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.

Nancy, upon leaving West Virginia State University, relocated to New York and started her career in Early Childhood Development for the City of New York. She met and married Larry E. Salley of Saint Albans, NY. This union produced their son, Larry O. Salley. They initially lived in the Bronx, New York and later relocated to Jamaica, New York.

Nancy, while working for the City of New York, went back to school to complete her bachelor’s degree, then later earned her master’s degree in social work. During her career with City, she held various positions under the Foster Care services of NYC. One position was Head coordinator for Group Homes and Independent living for Older Teenager and Young Adults. As her career progress, she retired as Director of Group Homes in 1992.

Nancy, once retired, was blessed to receive her Great-Aunt Vie’s home in Mount Hope, WV. She completed a major renovation to this family-loved home. While transitioning and adjusting to retirement, she traveled around the country and abroad. She loved cruises and casinos. Her best friend and travel partner was the late Mildred Hare, who was well-loved and is missed by the family. While living in WV, she enjoyed shopping for any and everything. She really loved bargain hunting.

Nancy, throughout her life, the early career years, her focus was always on advancing to the next level, professionally. She was very well encompassed in having a dream and making it become a reality. She stressed education above almost everything else. The only thing that was more important to her was “FAMILY”. She also loved spending time with family members and seeing grandchildren from time to time and the famous Poker parties with neighbors and friends of Mount Hope.

Nancy leaves to cherish her in loving memories her, son, Larry O. Salley and daughter-in-law Makeda Scales-Salley; three grandchildren, Laurance K. Salley, Tiana A Salley and Anthony L. Salley; five great-grandchildren, Issiah K. Salley, Rahiem Salley, Janae Munoz-Salley, Shannon Salley, Savannah Salley; siblings; Clyde Owens Jr. (Mary), George Owens, Charles Owens, Kenneth Owens (Cathey), Joan E. Johnson (Lengard Johnson) and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, family, and friends.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents Clyde and Josephine Owens; Siblings are as follows: sister, Norma Jean Morgan; sister, Shirley Ann Harless; brother, Willie Omega Owens; and sister, Betty Jo Owens.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, February 8, 2025 at United Missionary Baptist Church 205 S. Fayette Ave. Mt. Hope with Rev. Walter E. Clay officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.