Nancy Mathesen
Nancy Ann Mathesen, 86, of Somerville, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. A private service will be held. Nancy was born Sept. 23, 1937, in Beaumont, Texas, the daughter of the late John D.
and Freda Adams. She was a Professor of Percussion, the second female in the country to achieve this position, at the University of Tennessee at Martin. She positively influenced many lives throughout her 35-year tenure, both professionally and personally, and will be remembered by her love, kindness, and encouraging way that helped all those she touched. She was a loving and devoted mother who will be deeply missed. We all are blessed to have had her in our lives. She is survived by her children, Kris Mathesen (Nicole) and Johnna Phelps (Rusty), both of Memphis; and a granddaughter, Tatiana Phelps. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, John A. Mathesen; and beloved sister, Minnie McMillan.
Nancy was a wonderful person and professor. She was my advisor for 2 quarters in my Freshman year but, I went to see her all 4 of my years at UTM because she became a friend and a great listener. She loved to sew – it was her relaxation which I found hard to believe but it was true. When she retired, her students filled up the big theater @ UTM and most of them performed – that’s how much she meant to them – most of them hadn’t touch an instrument in years but they did it for her.