Nancy Garner Midkiff, 90, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026.

Nancy was a strong, independent and kind woman who loved her husband, her family and her friends. She will be greatly missed.

Nancy was born in rural Alabama, but grew up in the Riverside Community of Rome, GA, where she graduated from Rome High School. She attended Berry College in Rome and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. Her appreciation for the opportunity she received at Berry was lifelong. Nancy also completed an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education and Reading at the University of South Carolina.

While at Berry, Nancy met her lifelong sweetheart, Ronald Midkiff, and they married after graduation. Becoming a first-grade teacher had been a dream since childhood, and although Nancy taught at several levels, she always loved teaching first-graders to read. She was a gifted teacher and saw teaching as her vocation and calling. Nancy continued to teach for 40 years and retired in 1997.

Ronald and Nancy traveled internationally and taught English in China, Japan, and South Korea. They sought out opportunities for new experiences and relationships with people from other places, which gave them great appreciation for other cultures.

Ronald and Nancy moved to Blue Ridge, GA, after retiring and enjoyed 25 years with a beautiful mountain view. They were charter members of Cherry Log Christian Church, and the church became a central part of their life and service. Singing in the choir was a favorite activity for more than 20 years. Nancy pursued several hobbies and quilted beautifully.

Nancy loved her only daughter, Julie, and sacrificed much time and energy for her over the years. She and Ronald traveled to visit Julie and her family in many places, including two visits to Kenya. She was a loving grandmother, despite never living close by.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Irby and Eunice Garner, and her three sisters, Christine Mills, Betty Williams, and Sue Hill. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Midkiff; her daughter, Julie Williams (Clayton); her two grandsons, Russell (Lauren) and Drew (Jenny): and three great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Nancy's life will be held in the Fellowship Hall of Cherry Log Christian Church, Cherry Log, GA, on June 26 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Nancy's memory to the Student Scholarship Fund at Berry College https://berry.givingfuel.com/gift or to the Cherry Log Christian Church Celebration Fund https://clccdoc.org/give.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinscobb.com

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge, GA is in charge of these arrangements.