Nancy Sales Hutchins

Nancy Sales Hutchins, 65, passed peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, November 8, 2025, after fighting breast cancer for many years. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 35 years, Greg, last year.

Born October 6, 1960, in Asheville, North Carolina, Nancy Hutchins was the youngest child of the late Philip and Louise Sales. Nancy graduated from Asheville High School in 1978 and attended Furman University. There she earned her bachelor’s degree in Education and subsequently taught special education in Buncombe County for 5 years. After meeting Greg Hutchins at Camp Daniel Boone they were married on July 16, 1988.

Nancy was a lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church in West Asheville where she spent her Sundays growing up, married Greg, and raised her own children. Her faith was a guiding pillar in her life. She was involved with multiple bible studies, taught Sunday school, and was a member of the United Methodist Women. She was a dedicated congregation member her entire life, ready to jump in and help with any new project or outreach opportunity or to visit those in need.

Nancy had a gift for bringing people together for good causes and had a heart for giving. As a member of the Junior League she helped start Angel Watch now known as Children’s Wellbeing League. While part of the Children’s Wellbeing League she served on the Ways and Means committee, Student Activities committee, and served on the board as both Support Our Students Chair and Corporate Giving Chair.

Many people knew Nancy through the amazing volunteer work she did throughout her life and through her five children’s activities. She was the proud mom of three Eagle Scouts. She was a dedicated board member of the Asheville City Schools Foundation and was recognized as a parent champion in 2017 for her impact on students and teachers at Asheville High School. She was a member of the booster club and could be found helping in concession stands at football and basketball games with a smile on her face. She also regularly helped feed the football team on Wednesday nights and was famous for her parmesan chicken she would make for the basketball team. As her children went through school at Ira B. Jones Elementary, Asheville Middle School, and Asheville High School she served on various PTOs and was a regular volunteer.

The greatest joys of her life were her five children and five grandchildren, who she celebrated and supported throughout her life. She enjoyed the yearly family beach trip to Fripp Island, hosting Easter lunch, and spending quality time together with family and friends. The Hutchins household was known for welcoming people with open arms and Nancy was an integral part of making everyone feel right at home. She was never happier than having all her babies together under one roof and lived by the motto “the more the merrier” creating an atmosphere of warmth and cheerful chaos that drew people in. Many friends and family have fond memories of sitting on the patio and talking for hours or gathering around the kitchen island to catch up over a glass of Chardonnay or cup of tea. With a love of photographing memories, she was known for taking pictures of the people she loved and organizing them into books and galleries in her home. She spent many a night sitting in front of the fireplace going through photos or falling asleep while watching a family movie only to wake up at the end asking what happened. She never stopped sharing how proud she was of her children and showing them constantly with her words and actions how to love.

She is survived by her children (and spouses): Nathan (Drew), Laura Elizabeth (Taylor), Jeff (Sam), Neal, and Emma Grace, as well as her grandchildren: Cole Warren, Callahan Gregory, Theodore Wilder, Kennedy Marie, and Baker Drew. She is also survived by her brother, David Sales; sister, Ann Hall; sisters-in-law, Leslee Sprague (Peter) and Andrea Hunnicutt, and several beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at a reception beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday November 13th in the fellowship hall of Trinity United Methodist Church at 587 Haywood Rd. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Asheville City Schools Foundation in memory of Nancy Hutchins. Helping students and supporting strong public schools was a cause near and dear to her heart. Donations can be made through the link: https://www.acsf.org/donate or by mail addressed to: Asheville City Schools Foundation PO Box 3196 Asheville, NC 28802. Another local option would be Read to Succeed for Asheville/Buncombe County.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.