Nancy King Tarry Long, age 85, passed away May 26, 2025 at Hospice of the Chesapeake in Pasadena, Maryland. She was born on December 5th, 1939 in Owings, MD to James Herbert King, Sr. and Ruby Estelle (Marcelas) King. Nancy was raised and educated in Calvert County. Nancy always loved school and valued education. She was in the National Honor Society in Calvert High School and served on the yearbook committee with her best friend since second grade, Janet Kulman. She was salutatorian of her graduating class.
Nancy married her high school sweetheart, William (Bill) E. Tarry, Sr., on November 30, 1957. They were married for 58 years. While they always considered Calvert County their home, they traveled the world and lived in Turkey, Okinawa, and Australia. Nancy was a career civil servant, retiring from the Census Bureau in the mid-1990’s as a Supervisory Management Specialist in the Administrative Management Division. Nancy loved her family (especially, the grandchildren), singing in choirs (the Hallelujah chorus was her favorite), playing cards of any kind (bridge, in particular), and going to the theater (she knew every word to the Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton). She was a fabulous cook. She continued her education as an adult, graduating summa cum laude with her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Maryland while working full time and raising a family of four. She was a devoted, life-long Christian and loved the Lord; she enjoyed serving others and developed many deep friendships.
After Bill’s death from cancer in 2015, Nancy married Michael Terry Long September 12, 2020. They lived in the Baywoods retirement community in Annapolis, MD. Nancy and Mike both shared a love of travel and continued to see the world together. They lived an active lifestyle that included church, travel, exercise, dinner with friends, and going to the theater.
Nancy was preceded in death by her first husband, Bill Tarry, Sr., son Jon Michael Tarry, and sisters Joyce L. King and Sue Edwards. Surviving are her husband, Michael Terry Long; her brother, James Herbert King, Jr. (Bucky) and his wife, Helen; brother-in-law, Skip Edwards; sister, Patty Moore and her husband, Joe; son, William E. Tarry, Jr. (Bill) and his wife, Pat; daughter, Cristina Marie Wright and her husband, Doug; and son, Matthew James Tarry and his wife, Sherrie; nine grandchildren (William, Ryan, Katie, David, Kevin, Brad, Jake, Kyndall, and Christian) and six great grandchildren, as well as her beloved extended family members, and dear friends.
Nancy’s memorial service will be livestreamed on the Rausch Funeral Home Facebook Page for those unable to attend.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Nancy’s memory to Hospice of the Chesapeake.
Valerie Chaney Poe
June 2 – Obituary: Nancy King Tarry Long
Christina: I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was like a second mom to me growing up. I always admired her so much. She was so sweet and had such a beautiful laugh. I still think about the brownies with icing she used to make. I have tried so many recipes trying to duplicate but never could get close to being as good. She was a special person and take comfort in knowing she is home with the Lord and you will always have your memories. My prayers are with all the family. God Bless you. Valerie
Sharon Fulton
June 1 – Obituary: Nancy King Tarry Long
To the Tarry family,
So very sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. My sincere condolences.
Peace to all.
Lori Hinds
May 29 – Obituary: Nancy King Tarry Long
To the entire Tarry family,
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom and grandma. It was an honor to get to know her over the years at Bill and Pat’s gatherings. She always had a wonderful warm smile. Always so gracious and kind. I never met her second husband, Mike, but my sincere condolences to you as well. She will be greatly missed. I’m glad that Chuck is able to attend her services to represent our family. She put up with a lot of shenanigans from Bill and Chuck in their younger years.
With sorrow and love,
Lori Hinds
David Long / Debbie Ellis
May 29 – Obituary: Nancy King Tarry Long
We were happy to attend Nancy’s and Mike’s wedding. Over the past nearly five years, we shared many memories with them. We enjoyed Nancy’s unfiltered comments. We feel privileged to have met several members of her family. Nancy’s death leaves a void in our hearts.
Mary L Schaefer ( Mary Lee)
May 29 – Obituary: Nancy King Tarry Long
My heart was broken when I heard about my sweet, smart, lovable cousin . We didn’t talk much on the phone once her problems started. I broke my hip and went thru hip surgery and rehab. Really slowed me down. However she was and is in my prayers. We had so much fun as we played together on the farm. I will always remember her. I will be with you in heart and donating to Hospice of the Chesapeake.
Mary Lee
Vicki Thorne
May 28 – Obituary: Nancy King Tarry Long
I am so sorry to learn of Nancy’s passing. I last visited her and met Her lovely husband to be several years ago. She was so happy and just full of joy with her new home and new love. I was happy to hear of their marriage and the life they would share together. Rest in peace dear friend, until we all meet again🙏💝
Carolyn Parr
May 28 – Obituary: Nancy King Tarry Long
Mike,
Jim and I are so sorry for your suffering and loss. Words fail. But please know we’re here for you.
Jody Haughey
May 28 – Obituary: Nancy King Tarry Long
I guess God needed a special angel by his side. Be at peace knowing how truly special aunt Nancy was. She brought sunshine to every day
Barbara Weisenbeck
May 28 – Obituary: Nancy King Tarry Long
Nancy, my special, dear, sweet friend, may you rest easy.
I met Nancy and Bill 61 years ago when arriving in Ankara, Turkey. We worked and played together for 3 years. We became life long friends. My heart is heavy.
Prayers and love, Cris, all family, and Mike. Barbara
Marilyn and Jack Coolidge of BayWoods--
May 28 – Obituary: Nancy King Tarry Long
So sorry in earlier post as I referenced Nancy and “Bill” and meant Mike–son Bill was on my mind, please forgive me, Mike and family.
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