Nancy Solmon
Nancy Elaine (Brown) Solmon
June 8, 1942-July 14, 2026
Some people leave behind a list of achievements. Others leave behind a legacy of love. Nancy Solmon leaves both, but it is her servant’s heart that she will be remembered for the most.
Nancy was born on June 8, 1942, in Hickman County, Ky., to Floyd W. Brown and Mary (Hite) Brown. She grew up surrounded by family and music. Her father was a song leader in church and Nancy developed a love for singing that would stay with her throughout her life. At just 10 years old, she won a local talent show singing “Cross Over the Bridge,” and from then on, Nancy was blessing others with her talent. She was a member of her church choir, singing many solos, and she considered it an honor to use her voice in service to others, singing at weddings, funerals and countless special occasions. Her love for music expanded through her memberships in the Obion County Choir and the Obion County Music Club. Whether singing in church, for ceremonies or at community events, Nancy found true joy in lifting her voice in praise.
Nancy went to Union City High School, and soon after, she met her first sweetheart and the love of her life, Lew Solmon. They were married on March 3, 1961, and shared 64 wonderful years together before his passing last year. Their marriage was a beautiful example of faithfulness and love. Early in their marriage, they made their home in Kansas City for 11 years before returning home to West Tennessee.
Nancy pursued her passion for style and beauty by earning her cosmetology license from Anderson’s Beauty School in Union City. She began her career working alongside Diane Mays Blalock at Diane’s Beauty Shop in Obion. She later purchased the Jean-Beth clothing store and transformed it into Nancy’s Fashions in Troy, where she served her community with warmth and style for five years.
Nancy’s working life continued with nearly 10 years at the Youth Center clothing store in Union City, owned by Bill and Susie Flood, followed by 12 years with Connie Prather at Prather’s Flower Shop in Troy. She then spent an incredible 25 years at White-Ranson & White-Mahon Funeral Homes. Nancy considered her work with the funeral home a calling and her gentle spirit, comforting words and caring heart helped countless families through some of the hardest times of their lives. But if you asked Nancy what mattered most, she wouldn’t talk about a career position. She would simply tell you about her faith, which was at the heart of everything she did. Her second home, since 1971, was Troy Methodist Church. She served her church in numerous ways — holding leadership positions, teaching Sunday School and caring for children in the nursery. Alongside Lew, she faithfully cared for the church building for nearly 30 years. If something needed to be cleaned, repaired or organized, Nancy and Lew were there, often before the need was even known. She always said, “Our church is our life,” and she truly lived those words.
Nancy also devoted herself to the Order of the Eastern Star (Troy Chapter Number 432), for more than 25 years. She held many positions and offices over the years, and she was particularly proud when, in 2008, she had the honor of serving as Grand Officer, which allowed her to travel throughout Tennessee in service to the organization she loved. She also shared her gift of music by singing at countless Grand Chapter meetings across the state. She treasured her Eastern Star family, and considered them her sisters and brothers.
Her priorities were always the same: first came Jesus Christ, then her family. She never stopped being a loving and supportive mother to her sons, Bobby and Greg; and her greatest joys were her granddaughter, Morgan, and her great-grandchildren, Katey Laine and Maverick.
She will be remembered for her beautiful voice, her servant’s heart, her unwavering faith and her deep love for her family and the Obion County community. She believed that loving and serving others was one of the greatest ways to serve God. To know Nancy Solmon was to experience kindness and love.
Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lew Solmon; her parents, Floyd W. Brown and Mary Hite Brown; and her sisters, June Brown Dye and Peggy Sue Brown.
She is survived by her sons, Bobby Solmon (Chris) and Greg Solmon (Jan Sturkie); her granddaughter, Morgan Solmon (Jeff Nunnery); her great-grandchildren, Katey Laine Thomason and Maverick Nunnery; her sister, Ann Brown Tharp (Tip); her brother, Bobby Floyd Brown (Carline); and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. She is also survived by her Eastern Star family, her church family and dear friends whose lives were forever blessed by knowing her.
The family requests memorials in lieu of flowers to be sent to Troy Methodist Church.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Troy Methodist Church. Rev. Brian Nance, Rev. Judd Mowery and Judy Wilder will be officiating. Burial will follow in Sanders Chapel Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from noon until the hour of service on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the church.
The Order of the Eastern Star will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home website: www.white-ranson.com.
The Messenger