Tribute to Nancy Grandquist
“A life that sang. A heart that served. A legacy that remains.”
Early Life & Musical Calling
From the age of four, Nancy began piano lessons, her fingers learning the keys even before most people fully grasped the concept of music.
Growing up immersed in church choirs and worship environments, she laid the musical and spiritual foundations that would define her career.
Her sound was shaped by both classical training and black gospel traditions, a rare blend of elegance and Holy Ghost fire.
Partnership in Life & Ministry
Nancy met Richard during Bible school. From that meeting a two-fold ministry arose: musical and pastoral.
Together they journeyed through evangelism, church leadership, missions, worship and songwriting. Their unity of purpose, deep friendship, and enduring love for everyone they met, became a visible testimony.
They pastored, wrote songs, travelled and served countless thousands. Richard and Nancy’s ministry has been marked by faith. During a revival service Nancy said, “If you will step out and declare what God has spoken into your spirit…I believe there will be a performance of the Word of God. I believe that if God speaks to us, He’s going to bring it to pass.” She not only said it, her and Richard lived it. They held on tightly to their faith, their family, and to one another for 55 years.
Music, Message & Legacy Songs
Nancy’s musical catalogue spanned decades and continents. Whether she was singing to thousands or in someone’s living room, Nancy performed for an audience of One with a passion to see lost souls come home. Her extensive catalog of music includes albums such The Classics and Somebody Special, which gave rise to enduring songs and broad influence.
The track “Touch Me, Lord” from Somebody Special became the title track for Larnelle Harris in 1982, and that release garnered a Dove Award.
The song “Let the Blessings Flow” from Somebody Special was sampled decades later by DJ Khaled on his 2022 single “Grateful”.
Nancy’s impact transcended her immediate circle and echoed into broader musical culture leaving an impact on all who listened.
A Heart for Service
Nancy didn’t simply sing songs, she lived songs. Her ministry was marked by practical compassion and willing sacrifice. She once said: “When we serve people around us, when we love others, when we prefer others, when we honor others, something happens in our lives. God brings such a precious presence of His love over us.”
Her heartbeat was for the least among us. From prisoner ministry to her monthly zoom calls for widows, she was constantly thinking of ways to encourage the broken. She was the consummate protector, encourager, and servant-leader.
Family, Home & Legacy
Nancy and Richard raised a full family while simultaneously building ministry. Between four children and fifteen grandchildren (with one more on the way) life has been busy and fruitful. Her legacy will always focus on generational love and faith.
Lessons learned from Nancy
Start early. Be faithful. Gifts are planted young and grown through years of dedication.
Ministry and family don’t have to compete, they can complement each other when led with purpose.
Music is more than performance, it is service, worship and connection.
Loving people well changes environments.
Finishing your race matters: Nancy lived full, served deep, and finished well.
Ways to Honor Her Memory
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Nancy Grandquist
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Ways to Honor Her Memory 〰️ Nancy Grandquist 〰️
Give to support the ongoing ministry of Richard as he continues to travel and encourage pastors, leaders and churches.
Listen to and share Nancy’s music, let new generations experience her voice and message.
Continue her widow-care or service ministries in her name.
Mentor younger musicians or worship leaders as she did (and still did).
Create a scholarship or annual service event in her honor.
Post a favorite Nancy song, memory or photo on social-media with hashtag #NancyGrandquistLegacy.
Nancy Grandquist believed that our greatest anthem is the life lived beyond ourselves. Her music invited us to to the feet of Jesus, her ministry compelled us to see one another, and her legacy challenges us to love boldly, sacrificially, and unashamedly.
Let us honour her by doing the same: by making people feel seen, needed, and heard. By lifting our eyes to Heaven and our hands in service. By finishing our race and passing the baton well.
Thank you, Nancy. Your song plays on.
Support the Grandquist Family
Richard and Nancy’s ministry has touched countless lives through worship, evangelism, and compassion. If you feel led to support Richard’s continued mission—helping with travel, missions work, and future opportunities—please click below to give.
Every contribution helps extend their legacy. Thank you for your generosity and your prayers.
