‘Campbell County has lost a treasure’- Scott Collins

BY SUSAN SHARP

LAFOLLETTE, TN. (WLAF)- There are times when enough words don’t exist to describe the impact a person has had.

That is the case with Sue Nance. Nance served the community in many ways. She was a social worker, a county commissioner, and an advocate for Campbell County, especially the people in the fourth district where she served as county commissioner.

She died on Tuesday morning.

In her early career, Nance worked for the Department of Human Services. In the 1990’s she was tapped to head up a new agency that would work with at risk youths.

For those who had the privilege to work with her, Nance was an example of not only how to lead but to do it with grace, compassion and even humor.

“She was such an inspiration and influence on so many,” said Scott Collins. Collins worked for Nance but knew her well before that. Her home sat near the Jacksboro Football Field where Collins played little league football. Nance’s home was “a gathering place,” he said.

“I have had the opportunity to know Sue in many capacities. She always remained active, tirelessly serving others,” said Gail Smiddy. “She has served as a public servant, been employed in various offices and served on several boards, and in elected positions. She always greeted folks with respect and engaged with others easily.”

As Nance endeavored to build a staff to work with children in  the court system, she made a bold move. She hired a team of fresh college graduates who were just a few years older than some of the children they would serve. This drew criticism from  juvenile court judges. Undeterred Nance stood her ground and supported the team.

“She would take a chance whether you had made a misstep or were young and just getting started,” Collins said. “She helped form a lot of us unto the adults we are now.”

Nance had the ability to issue what seemed to be an insurmountable directive with a reassuring smile telling those fresh faces around a conference table that whatever the task was it could be done. “Everything is going to be just fine,” she would say. If she ever doubted that, those of us around that table never knew it. For many of us, “Everything is going to be just fine” is a mantra we still use.

“She was the best of the best,” said Susan Holder who also worked with Nance. “She taught me a lot. We traveled together to meetings. She scared me to death with her driving.”

“This is a loss to our community,” said Campbell County Court Clerk Todd Nance. “She has been a great help to the county and the state.” He now holds the position her husband, Don, held for 24 years. While Don Nance was court clerk, Sue Nance helped him by taking the minutes at county commission meetings. In 2010, she was elected to serve the people of the fourth district on the commission. As time passed, Nance became a source of support for Todd Nance. As he entered politics, she was a sounding board and giver of advice.

“I will miss talking to her every week” he said.

“She was one of my best friends,” said Beverly Hall, second district county commissioner. “I have worked with her and served on the commission with her. I am going to miss her.”

“Campbell County has lost a treasure,” said Collins.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 7/31/2025-6AM)

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