Nancy Helen Culbreath Bibby

Mrs. Nancy Helen Culbreath Bibby, 89, of Concord, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, surrounded by her family.

A memorial service to honor Nancy's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Concord. Friends are invited to greet the family following the service during a reception in the Fellowship House at the church.

Nancy was born on June 9, 1937, in Columbia,SC, to the late Helen Gash Culbreath and the late J Charles Culbreath. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles "Chuck" Bibby, with whom she shared many wonderful years of marriage, and her brother, Dr. J Charles Culbreath, Jr.

Nancy's life was one of service, creativity, compassion, and unwavering faith. She possessed a gentle spirit, a quick wit, and an incredible ability to make everyone around her feel welcomed and valued. Whether through her teaching, her church, her friendships, or simply a thoughtful conversation over a game of cards, Nancy quietly left a lasting impression on countless lives.

After growing up and graduating from Lumberton High School, she attended Woman's College (now UNC Greensboro) and earned her Master's Degree in Counseling from UNCC later in life. As a testament of her love of educating others, Nancy would always ensure the correct usage of the words... I, me and all adverbs, no matter the conversation or person, it would be said lovingly but with the conviction of correct word placement. Her patience, kindness, and encouragement helped shape generations of young students, and even after retirement she remained a teacher at heart, always eager to guide, encourage, and support others.

As a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Concord NC, Nancy faithfully served her church family in numerous ways over the years. She especially loved being a part of the women's circle group, numerous Sunday School classes and volunteering in the church library, where she found great joy in serving others. Her church became not only a place of worship, but also a place where lifelong friendships flourished.

Her children remember her love for drawing, writing and expressing herself through whatever she could get her hands on. Nancy's creativity was evident in the simplest things, you could scribble a picture with her and she would turn the simplest things into a piece of art effortlessly. Nancy's creativity was evident in everything she touched. After retirement, she became an accomplished potter, spending countless hours creating beautiful handcrafted pieces at her house as well as her studio at Clearwater Arts in Concord. She loved being able to attend local farmers markets and craft fairs in community to share her love of pottery, as well as mentor those who were just learning. It was another example of how much she would invest in her craft and other people as well. Family and friends continue to treasure the pieces she lovingly created by hand.

Adventure also played an important role in Nancy's life. Alongside Chuck, they traveled extensively throughout the US in their RV, making cherished memories as they explored new places together. Whether visiting scenic landscapes or discovering small towns along the way, those trips became some of their happiest times together.

Nancy also knew how to enjoy life's simple pleasures. She rarely missed cheering on the UNC Tarheels during basketball season, loved gathering around a card table with her treasured friends, and spending time with those she loved most, especially her beloved canine friend, Dawn. Her warm smile, gentle laugh, and gracious hospitality made every gathering feel special.

One of Nancy's greatest gifts was her compassion for others. For more than forty years, she faithfully participated in AA, where she became a mentor, encourager, and trusted friend to countless individuals seeking hope and healing. She quietly invested in the lives of others without expecting recognition, while offering wisdom, accountability, and unconditional support. Her legacy of helping others will continue through the many lives she influenced.

Above all, Nancy loved her family. She was a devoted mother, Nana, Aunt and friend whose greatest joy came from watching those she loved grow and succeed. She celebrated life's milestones, offered steady guidance through difficult moments, and created a home filled with love, encouragement, and acceptance. Her family will forever cherish the lessons she taught, the traditions she created, and the unconditional love she gave so freely.

Nancy is survived by her sons, Bill Mason and wife Deborah of Fernandina Beach, Florida, Charles Mason and wife Lynda of Charlotte; daughter, Helen Mason Allen and husband Jonathan of Charlotte; her beloved grandchildren, Emily Allen Murray and husband Nathan of Nashville, Ryan Mason, and Landon Mason, both of Charlotte; along with other extended family members, treasured friends, and many whose lives were forever enriched by her friendship and guidance.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers, friends, neighbors, and loved ones who faithfully walked beside Nancy throughout her life. Your kindness and support were a tremendous blessing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Library, a ministry that was especially dear to Nancy's heart.

Nancy's family finds comfort in knowing that her faith has become sight, her journey is now complete, and she now rests in the eternal peace of her Savior. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of faith, kindness, creativity, generosity, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were privileged to know her.