Nancy Pinnell

Nancy C. Jones Rau Pinnell 86, of Chattanooga, TN. passed away at home April 4th, 2025. At her bedside were her daughter Kenda, adopted daughter Lynn and niece Pat.  Born July 30, 1938, at her grandparent's farm in Liberty Center, Indiana, to her parents Ernest D Jones and Cleora M. Jones.

Nancy attended Cedar Lake Academy in Cedar Lake MI, graduating in 1956. Nancy then enrolled in Emmanuel Missionary College, which she attended for a year. In 1958, Nancy married Gerald R. Rau, having met while they both attended Cedar Lake Academy. Gerald and Nancy had 3 children together. Gerald passed away August of 1974.

In 1983 Nancy met James (Jim) Pinnell of Saginaw, MI. Jim was a patient at Blue Care Network where Nancy was employed. Nancy was soon smitten by Jim's gentlemanly ways, and they married in 1984. Jim had a large family including several children and stepchildren. Nancy became close to this extended family and enjoyed spending time with them.

In 1978, Nancy completed the 2-year program at Delta Community College in MI. earning her degree as a Medical Assistant. She then went to work at Blue Care Network, an HMO in Saginaw, MI. In August of 2000, Nancy retired after 21 years at BCN. She and Jim then traveled and spent quiet, quality time together until his death in November of 2002.

In 2009 Nancy enjoyed the adventure of a lifetime when her daughter Kenda treated her to a trip abroad. The pair traveled throughout the U.K. visiting Wales, Scotland, Ireland and England. It had long been a special dream of Nancy's ...to visit the lands her ancestors were from. In addition to her travels, Nancy enjoyed grocery shopping at The Market of Collegedale, collecting recipes, cooking delicious meals and serving them on her "good china". She found pleasure shopping at thrift stores searching for and finding "treasures", collecting pretty rocks, listening to the 3 Angels Broadcast Network and discovering new places to visit. Of particular enjoyment were spending time with her family and friends and participating in church activities.

Nancy was an active member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, earning the credential of Lay Bible Minister in July of 1989, through the Michigan Conference of Seventh Day Adventists. Participating in numerous church activities throughout the years, she taught Sabbath School, volunteered with the Dorcas and homeless ministries, attended various special music programs, and of course potluck dinners. Known for her thoughtful generosity, Nancy gave freely of her time and talents . At the time of her death, Nancy was a member of Chattanooga First SDA Church.

Nancy, also known as "Auntie Nan", "Nannie Ann," " Annie Nan" and "Mom" enjoyed surprising her loved ones with little gifts, sharing her special cinnamon roll recipe, chewing ice and pampering her kitties. She enjoyed driving, getting out and about and dining at her favorite local restaurants. She was short, sweet, stubborn and sometimes sassy. Her temperament suited her well and enabled her determined spirit. It was this quality that led to the successful battling of numerous health concerns over the past several years.

Remaining to cherish Nancy's memory are her children, Kimberly Rau of Utah, Kenda Rau Komula of Chattanooga, adopted daughter Lynn Landen of Chattanooga, and her loving niece Patricia Pearson of Chattanooga. In addition, Nancy leaves nieces, and a nephew, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as many beloved members of the Rau family.

Preceding Nancy in death are her parents - Ernest and Cleora Jones, husbands - Gerald Rau and James Pinnell, siblings -Charles E. Jones and Jacklyn Jones Pearson, nephew-Richard Pearson, grandson-Samuel Ethan Komula and son- Kevin D. Rau who passed away December 3, 2024.

Funeral service will be Friday, April 25, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the sanctuary of Chattanooga First SDA Church. Visitation, with light hors d'oeuvres, will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Nancy's memory may be made to Chattanooga First SDA homeless ministry or to It Is Written.