Nellie Franklin Roberson

nellie roberson

October 1, 1921 ~ September 29, 2019

Born in: Corapeake, NC
Resided in: Asheville, NC

Nellie Roberson, 98, of Asheville passed to her final rest on September 29. She was born October 1, 1921 in Gates County NC. During WW II, she attended Kees Secretarial College in Norfolk VA and married Navy Petty Officer Raymond Roberson. The family moved to Asheville in 1961 and, in 1967, they purchased the American Court Motel, which she and sons Ben and Tom owned and operated for 37 years.

Surviving are sister Martha Ann Perry of Sunbury NC; seven sons Raymond, Jr. (Karen) of Gainesville VA, Gary (Cookie) of Wexford PA, Ben of Greenville NC, Don of Fayetteville NC, Tom (Jan) of Asheville, Henry (Ann) of San Antonio TX, and Bill (Christine) of Nanaimo BC, Canada; plus 11 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Nellie is remembered as a woman of inner strength, courage and humility. For her years of loving and giving, hard work and quiet leadership, her family is eternally grateful. She has been buried at Lewis Memorial Park and her family plans a private memorial service. Those who wish to offer personal condolences may do so c/o Groce Funeral Home. For memorial gifts, her family suggests the North Carolina Arboretum Society (www.ncarboretum.org).

Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.

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  1. Dear Tom and family, We send love to you in honoring your mother who has joined the saints of history. You continue the grand tradition of your legacy by your warm human relationships at the Visitor’s Center. It is as welcoming as if you and the family were still inn keepers.
    Our prayer is for your family to continue to share memories with both nostalgia and joy.
    Ken and Irene Richards

  2. Dear Roberson Family,
    I was so sad to see your mom’s obituary in the paper, though I know she was declining. There are just some people that you think will live forever, and Nellie was one of those to me. She was a wonderful neighbor on Gracelyn all the years from 1979 until she moved. I will treasure the memories I have of her, and Merritt and I and our daughters are better people for having known her. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and hearts.

  3. Just want to offer our condolences to Nellie’s family. Frank and I knew Nellie from Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church when we were attending there. She attended a womens bible study for several years (one I attended)….. She was such a nice person. Generous in asking if our young boys then wanted to swim in the motel pool. Of course they did and loved it! Nellie was quite a walker and I always admired her stamina to do so. She lived good long life.


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