Nancy Jean Fawley-Hallam-Carman

Nancy Jean Carman, 76, of Delton, MI, a lifelong resident of the Kalamazoo area, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on August 9, 2025.

Nancy was born on March 6, 1949, in Kalamazoo, MI, and was the second-born of six children to Harry Fawley Jr and Patricia (Lacko). She was raised in the Milwood area graduating from Kalamazoo Loy Norrix High School.

Nancy possessed a strong work ethic that inspired all who knew her. She made a name for herself as a talented wallpaper installer, turning her passion into a lifelong profession. She brought the same precision and dedication to her personal pursuits, especially as a passionate singer who captivated audiences with her beautiful voice.

Throughout her career, she performed with several local Kalamazoo combos, including the Don Neal Collection, the Paul McLaine Trio, the Keith Hodges Trio and the Frank Maida Orchestras. Nancy had the honor of singing with the Kalamazoo Symphony and was a featured vocalist with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra.

Since 2004, she shared her love of music alongside her husband, Keith, performing in the Sarasota, Florida area. She and Keith were snowbirds, performing in Florida in the winter months and enjoying her Michigan family during the summer months at Wall Lake in Delton.

Nancy was an in-demand songstress with several Sarasota, Florida big-bands and combo groups. She and her husband, Keith, generously shared their talents at the Sarasota Friendship Center, delighting the senior community with many performances throughout the years. An accomplished ballroom dancer, Nancy also found joy and expression in the performing arts earning numerous theater credits in the Kalamazoo area. Her vibrant spirit and unwavering dedication to her craft left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In harmony with the music that filled her soul, Nancy devoted her life to her family. Affectionately known as “Grancy,” she was a loving grandmother who would do anything for her grandchildren, whom she fondly called her angels. Nancy had a special love for angels, both in symbol and in spirit. When her grandchildren were happy, she was happy; and when they were upset, her heart remained unsettled until she knew every detail and could see them at peace again. While enjoying her time as “Grancy,” Nancy also pursued many passions, including, crafting, painting signs, interior design, and collecting children’s books. She also found joy in golfing and embracing life’s simple pleasures. Nancy was an avid hockey fan, often watching her son and grandson on the ice.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Patricia Fawley; her beloved baby brother James Gregory Fawley; and her dear sister-in-law Roxanne Fawley. She is survived by her husband, Keith Carman; step-son Christopher and his son Erikai; her children, Tami and Michael (Roxie) Hallam; four grandchildren: Gina (Sayge) Poindexter, Mackenzie, Layne, and Zakk. She is also survived by four siblings: Susan (Mike) Reck, Mike (Emmy) Fawley, Tom (Roxanne) Fawley, and Kathy (Tom) Fawley-Huss.

Nancy’s spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched, forever missed but always remembered.

Celebrate Nancy’s life online by sharing favorite stories or photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.