Nellie Jo Maney

Nellie Jo Clark Maney, 90, of Asheville passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 5, 2016. She was born March 21, 1925 in Madison County to the late Grady R. Clark and Kate Corn Clark. Nellie Jo was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, O'Neil Carroll Maney and two brothers, Vincent A. Clark of Somerset, Massachusetts and Howard C. Clark who died while serving in the U.S. Navy. Surviving is her son, Rodney Carroll Maney of Asheville; daughter and son-in-law, Andrea (Andie) and Buddy Talbert of Blountville, TN; one sister Gilda Clark Morrow Brank of Asheville; sister-in-laws JoAnn Woodall and husband Jim of Raleigh; and Floy Maney of Barnardsville. She is also survived by many very special and loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Nellie Jo retired as a supervisor from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Climatic Center in 1987 after 30 years of service. She received numerous special achievement awards for her outstanding contributions and process improvements implemented at the National Climatic Center. After retirement, she volunteered her service for over 30 years with the North Carolina Extension and Community Association (ECA). Throughout her volunteer service, her focus was always to strengthen the family. She was a member of the Erwin Hills ECA, the Buncombe County ECA, and the Western District ECA where she served in various capacities. She was a member of the Edward Buncombe Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution of North Carolina. She also was a member of the Business and Professional Women /USA. She was an active member of West Asheville Baptist Church where she gladly served for over 50 years. She had a special love for teaching children about Christ. She was a member of the Faith Sunday School Class and served on several committees. Nellie Jo never tired of making beaded Chrismons and enjoyed teaching others how to make them. She loved to cook as it was an expression of her love and particularly enjoyed genealogy research. Nellie Jo always put the needs of others before her own and greatly loved her family. They were the core of her life. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 9th in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Reverend Dr. Stan Welch officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hills Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Nellie Jo's name to the West Asheville Baptist Church Building Fund, 926 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806.