Nan Barron Harpole

“All the world’s a stage”, and we have lost one of its most charismatic actors. Nan Barron Harpole died quietly and at home with her husband on June 4th at the age of 85. She went out like a lamb but lived life like a lion. Nan was born March 8, 1940, in Atlanta, Georgia. She attended Druid Hills High School with her life-long sweetheart, Jim Harpole. She attended the University of Georgia where she was a scholar as well as a Dawgs cheerleader alongside UGA I. She gave willingly and tirelessly to her community and taught English at Tucker High School for 30 years. Her truest gift as a teacher was not only her intellect, but also her desire to give the best education to the students who needed it most. While working at Tucker High School, Nan received her Masters of Education. Her wit and infectious humor made learning fun for many, but her passion was for those who struggled. Although she loved her students like her own, her commitment to her three children was unwavering. Nan was always first to sign up for any volunteer opportunity to stay involved in the lives of her children and the greater community. Nan’s enthusiasm for life took on many forms. She loved a good party and was well known for her elaborately themed events, especially her Halloween parties. She travelled every continent and never met a stranger. Nan was a collector of all things beautiful and strange. There was never a dull moment when you were around her. Nan was born to loving parents, Milly and Tom Barron. She is survived by her husband, Jim Harpole, her brother, Tommy Barron, and her three children, Kirk Harpole, Kerry (Harpole) Ankenbrandt, and Mary Margaret (Harpole) Shorter. She was a grandmother to Alex (Harpole) Johst, Tate Ankenbrandt, Mary Claire (Harpole) Mills, Sydney Ankenbrandt, Sarah Shorter, Shannon Shorter, Cole Ankenbrandt, and Shelby Shorter. She was a great grandmother to Ellie Johst. She is also survived by her loving pets Boo and Dooley. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Samaritan’s Purse, the Atlanta Humane Society, or Apraxia Kids. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 10th at 1:00 at Druid Hills Golf Club.

Nan Barron Harpole

March 8, 1940 - June 4, 2025