Nancy Saunders Swanson

Nancy Saunders Swanson, 78, of Danville, Virginia, passed away peacefully at her residence on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, following a decline in health. Born on November 17, 1947, in Danville, Virginia, Nancy was the daughter of the late Hugh Scott Saunders, Jr. and Mary Paschal Saunders. She spent her life in the Mount Hermon area of Pittsylvania County and was a proud graduate of George Washington High School, Class of 1967. Nancy dedicated more than 40 years of service to the Pittsylvania County School System as a school bus driver. She took great pride in her work and the many students and families whose lives she touched throughout her career. A woman of Baptist faith, Nancy found joy in life's simple pleasures. She especially enjoyed watching baseball and was a devoted fan of the Baltimore Orioles. Nancy was also an excellent cook, and she often expressed her love through home-cooked meals that brought family and friends together. Known for her optimistic spirit, she had a remarkable ability to find happiness even in the face of grief and life's challenges. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering love for her family will be remembered by all who knew her. Nancy was preceded in death by her husbands, James Clarence “Jimmy” Swanson and Edward Bruce Puryear. She is survived by her son, Paul Swanson and Michelle, of Danville; her daughter, Mary Yeaman and her husband, Andy, of Danville; three beloved grandchildren, Aubrey Swanson, Marissa Yeaman, and Drew Yeaman, all of Danville; her brother, Hugh Scott Saunders III and his wife, Carole, of Chesapeake; two cousins who were like sisters to her, Rita Abbott of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Derinda Seay of Bridgeton, New Jersey; and her cherished pet, Maggie Mae. She is also survived by three stepchildren, Mickey Puryear and his wife, Anne, of South Boston; Martha Grace Shotwell of South Boston; and Michelle Estes and her husband, Michael, of Danville. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by two stepchildren, Vickie Puryear and Rex Puryear, as well as her lifelong best friend, Linda Campbell. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Nancy's caregivers for the compassionate and excellent care they provided during her illness: Sheritta Brooks, Pam Brooks, Tammy Wilson, Stephanie Lavinder, Dana Solis, and Codona Holland. A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Swansonville United Methodist Church Cemetery with the Reverend Ryan Riley officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the home of Mary and Andy Yeaman, 3580 Mount View Road, Danville, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southern Area Agency on Aging Meals on Wheels or to the Danville Humane Society, P.O. Box 3352, Danville, Virginia 24543. Wrenn-Yeatts North Main Chapel is respectfully serving the Swanson family.

Nancy Saunders Swanson

November 17, 1947 - June 10, 2026