Nancy Knowlton

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL-Nancy Knowlton passed away suddenly on February 23, 2025, at the age of 66. Born on May 30, 1958, in San Antonio, Texas, Nancy spent her life touching the hearts of those around her. Nancy was a graduate of McMinn County High School and in 1988 from Tennessee Tech University. 

She dedicated 34 years of her life to the Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic, reflecting not only her professional dedication but also her immense capacity for loving and caring for people. She began volunteering at the Clinic in 1988. She then served as the Executive Director from 1995-2022. She brought vision, wisdom, and leadership to each part of the ministry she led. Her life in ministry was spent by sharing words of healing and hope to women in unplanned pregnancies. So many women walking through an unexpected pregnancy have turned from abortion to choose life after hearing Nancy’s personal testimony of God’s grace, forgiveness, and mercy. Nancy had the privilege of sharing her story all over the world. Her speaking engagements included national pregnancy center conferences, women’s conferences, pregnancy center fundraisers, post-abortion healing retreats, and she appeared on Focus on the Family’s daily radio broadcast. Time spent with Nancy was certain to be filled with passion, laughter, and encouragement.

Her love for Jesus and personal testimony made her life a powerful message of hope and mercy. Whether speaking at a conference or one-on-one with a woman in crisis, Nancy was able to reach across all barriers and touch the heart of those around her. Most recently, she served as the communications manager with Hope Center Adoption & Family Services, continuing her legacy of compassion and support.

Nancy also wrote and performed dramatic portrayals that shared the life of Jesus through the eyes of Bible women. She wrote Mary Mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene and had the privilege of presenting these monologues hundreds of times all over the United States and even in Istanbul, Turkey at a Central Asian women’s conference. These monologues were to remind us of the power and authority of Jesus Christ to heal, forgive, deliver, and set us free. She inspired people to take bold steps of faith in their lives by giving other examples of other men and women from the Bible who followed Jesus bravely and boldly with their whole heart.

Nancy's warm smile was her signature, a wonderful gift that she shared generously with everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her joyful and exuberant personality radiated a positivity that uplifted her friends and family. She was a member of Covenant Church Cookeville, and found deep connections with the faith community in Cookeville and beyond, further sealing her legacy as a nurturer, mentor and supporter of many.

Nancy is survived by her beloved children, Jenny Knowlton and her husband Russ Brocco of Cookeville; Orianna Palmer and her husband Brad, living in Bogota, Colombia; and stepson Mike Knowlton and his wife Laurie of Tampa, Florida. Her love extended to her cherished grandchildren, Kobe Swallows, Khloe Knowlton, Isabella Smith, Mia, Max, and Maddi Palmer, along with Ashlee and Scott Knowlton. They brought her immeasurable joy and laughter, and she was eagerly anticipating the arrival of her great-granddaughter, Deliah Jean Swallows, due in June 2025.

In addition, Nancy is survived by her siblings, Susan Reike of Cookeville, Tennessee; Becky Priddy of Asheville, North Carolina; and John Prigmore of Jonesville, North Carolina. She is preceded in death by her parents, John Raulston Prigmore and Marcheta Rose Cochran Prigmore.

Nancy’s proudest accomplishments were her family and countless close friendships and cherished relationships. She leaves behind a rich tapestry of love, memories, and lasting friendships that will continue to resonate within all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Visitation will be held at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home on February 28, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and again at Cookeville First Baptist Church on March 1, 2025, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. A funeral service will follow on March 1, commencing at 11:00 AM (CST).  Dr. Jonathan Nelms will officiate.  Following the service, Nancy will be laid to rest at Green Hill Cemetery in Etowah, Tennessee, at 4:00 PM (EST).

Memorial contributions are suggested to be made to the Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic cookevillecpc.org and/or to Hope Center Adoption & Family Services hopecenteradoption.com.

Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.