Nancy was born on October 11, 1935 in Manchester, KY. She was raised by her parents Maynard and Neville (Fritz) Bowling. Nancy and her three siblings grew up on the Bowling family farm in Laurel County, KY. After high school, she attended Eastern Kentucky University from 1954-1957 and earned her B.S degree in Biology. In 1971, Nancy received her M.A. degree in Education, Guidance and Counseling Secondary. She continued to take graduate courses to achieve Rank 1 status. Her teaching career covered elementary, middle, and high schools in the Clark County School District. She was promoted to be a guidance counselor at George Rogers Clark High School where she served until her retirement.