Nancy Chavis was born on April 10, 1938, in New Kensington, PA. She was the eldest of three children born to the late Mary-Louise Parker Bostic (stepfather, Samuel Bostic). She was raised by her grandmother, the late Nanie Parker-Leonard. At the young age of 20, Nancy married her husband, the late James Chavis. Shortly after, she birthed her first of four children.

Throughout her career, Nancy worked as a teaching assistant at Francis McClure Elementary School, caretaker at the Jewish Home Nursing Center, food service worker for McKeesport School District, childcare assistant at McKeesport Daycare Center, and the lead cook at Riverside Nursing Center, until she retired. She and her friend, Deloris also started a catering business, where she did what she loved the most, cook!

Mom Nancy or Nanny, as she was affectionately known, was a pillar in her community, McKeesport, PA. She was known for her delicious meals and opening her home to feed anyone who was hungry, no matter who you were. Nancy loved her family and was intentional in creating lasting memories. As the matriarch of the family, she proudly hosted family gatherings to bring everyone together. On any given day, especially holidays, you could expect a home full of love, laughter, and a meal cooked with love. Cooking was her love language.

Nancy loved the community of friends she built socializing and playing bingo. She also loved to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers play and wave her Terrible Towel, as she yelled at the tv, “Get ‘em!” She was the Vice president of the MKL Parent Booster Club. She never missed a game to watch her sons play football. Her home was always a safe place for children in the community. She would feed the entire football team at her home after games. Her life was filled with love, laughter, and service to others.

Nancy was a longstanding former member at Christ Temple AME where she served as an usher, choir member, cook, and on other various auxiliaries. She was a faithful member and beloved Mother at Kingdom COME Ministries of Clairton, PA since its inception.

On April 22, 2025, Nancy Chavis peacefully transitioned into eternal rest at the age of 87. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Chavis and son, Timothy Chavis. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: son, James A. Chavis, (Lyn) of Donegal, PA, daughter, Sharon Robinson and son-in-love, (Jonathan) of Clairton, PA, daughter, Ceceila Chavis of McKeesport, PA; 13 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren; sister, Cassandra Bostic-Smith of McKeesport, PA, brother, Samuel Bostic (Betty) of McKeesport, PA; engrafted son, Tyrone Tate-Williams; nieces, nephews, cousins; sister-friend, Delores Sledge, & a host of dear friends.