Nancy Narcissa Torrence Carmichael, the daughter of the late Harrell L. Torrence, Sr and Golda Mae Torrence, made her entrance into this world on July 13, 1953, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Faith was the cornerstone of Nancy's life. She confessed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of seven and was baptized at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she became a cherished and longtime member of the Gospel Choir and was often featured as a soloist.

Nancy was a proud 1971 graduate of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. She attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri and later went on to study Organizational and Business Management at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Her desire to remain a lifelong learner continued through her active engagement in professional training programs as a member of the National Association of Postal Supervisors. Nancy also matriculated in ministry education programs at the Roddy E. Collins School of Ministry while a member of Saint Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Nancy embodied her lifelong motto, "Service to others," through her unwavering compassion and dedication to those around her. Her service extended to many roles throughout her 35-year federal service career to include working within the Department of Agriculture, Department of Veteran Affairs and finally the United States Postal Service, where she served in numerous roles to include injury compensation specialist and human resources training specialist. During her federal government career, she received numerous superior performance awards as a committed public service member and leader.

Nancy's later life journeys included health challenges, however, her radiant spirit never dimmed. She greeted every healthcare worker with warmth and kindness, making friends everywhere she went. Her joyous and loving presence uplifted all who knew her, and she always carried a song in her heart to encourage and uplift others.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her brother, Harrell L. Torrence, Jr. and her sisters Letitia Marie Trammell and Lena Faye Holland. Nancy transitioned peacefully at her home on January 24, 2026.

She is survived by her daughters, Jamillaah Carmichael Cary (Andrew) of New York, New York; and Fatimaah Carmichael-Anthony (Michael) of Bryant, AR; granddaughters Torrence Canady Cary and Carmichael Canady Cary of New York, New York; sister Sylvia Johnson of Lithia Springs, GA and brother, Timothy Torrence of Little Rock, AR and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

Nancy's Celebration of Life Services will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 1:30pm at Christway Missionary Baptist Church, 4324 Potter Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund in honor of "Mother Nancy Narcissa Torrence Carmichael's legacy" as a passionate leader of life-long learning and empowering single parents to persevere.

https://aspsf.org/give/

Separation

Your absence has gone through me

Like thread through a needle.

Everything I do is stitched with its color.

by W.S. Merwin

Samuel L. Vance & Sons Funeral Directors

" The Epitome of Service "