Norma Ruth Nelson
May 3, 1944 ~ September 21, 2011
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Norma Ruth Sexton Nelson, 67, passed away Wednesday, September 21, 2011 due to injuries from an automobile accident.
Mrs. Nelson was born in Buncombe County to Mavoureen Mullinax Sexton and the late Dewey Sexton. She was also preceded in death by her husband Stanley Nelson who passed away in 1989.
Mrs. Nelson never knew a stranger. She was so humble and kind to family, friends and strangers. She enjoyed meeting and talking to everyone. Her love for children led her to obtain her masters degree in education in her 40's so she could teach Elementary School. She retired from Haw Creek Elementary. Mrs. Nelson also had a love for animals and enjoyed bear watching.
In addition to her love for family, friends, and animals, she had a special love for her grandchildren and great grandchild.
Mrs. Nelson is survived by her two children, Shelly Maddox of Asheville and David Nelson and his wife, Weng, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two sisters, Joanne Tipton and her husband, Mike and Jean Banks, both of Fairview; two brothers, Larry Sexton and his wife, Ruth of Palm Coast, Florida and Jack Sexton and his wife, Shirl of Flagler Beach, Florida; five grandchildren, Mia and Abi Nelson and Courtney, Sydney and Alexander Maddox; one great grandchild, Brandon Hamblin, Jr. and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 3:00 pm at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with Reverend David Blackmon officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Sunday, September 25, 2011 at the funeral home from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Animal Compassion Network, 803 Fairview Street, Asheville, NC 28803. www.animalcompassionnetwork.com
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Dear Shelly- I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you. We at Mission are praying for you. My sister-in-law is an RN and was one of the first people on the scene; she worked with your mom until the EMS got there. As tragic as it is, Im so thankful you were able to say goodbye. And on a personal note, Ms. Nelson drove my school bus- she was always very sweet and cheerful and took good care of us. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Much Love.
My love and sympathy go out to each of you. I have know the family all my life. We grew up together, and went to school and church together. I love you deeply and you will continuely be in my prayers.
To all the family, you are in our prayers and thoughts. We had not seen Norma in a while, but will always remember her smiling face. We use to have fun at the Fairview ballgames, when our sons were in school together. May God give you comfort.
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT NORMA’S ACCIDENT & PASSING. OUR THOUGHT’S & PRAYER’S ARE WITH ALL THE FAMILY & FRIENDS.
Shelly,
We can not express how sorry we are for you and your family for the lose of your loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
David,
We are thinking and praying for you and your family during this difficult time. May God wrap his arms around you and bring you comfort.
John, Susie, JJ, Justin & Hannah
Shelley,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our condolences go out to you and your family.
Love,
April and Rita
Norma Nelson was my daughter’s fifth grade teacher at Haw Creek. I tutored in her classroom, went to many Odyssey of the Mind meets with her, and loved her for her kindness and appreciation of my daughter, who also loved her. Norma, we will miss you so much, and I know Alex and Sydney and all your family will too. It was a privilege to know you.
I would never question my Lord and
Savior however; why did he need 2 precious ladies at the same time.
Shelly and David your mom was a jewel. Always a barrel of fun and always a smile on her face. Everyone who knew your mom and aunt
has nothing but praise for there care and concern for all. Our heart is broken for you and for the
friendship Bud and I have lost.
What a beautiful lady inside and out.
Bud and Barbara
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. This was so tragic and so sudden. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God wrap you in his love and comfort at this time. Peace and Love
Remember that your loss is shared by many friends who care
and that you’re in our thoughts and hearts and in our every prayer
May you find the courage to face tomorrow in the love that surrounds you today. Norma was a beautiful lady.
My thoughts and prayers our with the family.
To Shelly and family, your mother was a wonderful lady. She was loved by many, many people. She will be missed by many, including me. I loved her passion for animals, and will always remember her sweet voice. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know without a doubt she is in Heaven having a blessed time.
I so enjoyed working with Norma through Animal Compassion Network. She was a kind, caring and loving lady who will be missed by all who knew her. One of the many joys she gave us was a little dog named Champ. She will always be a champ in our hearts!
It is with a heavy heart I write to you today. Norma was a very dear friend that was always there for me. When she first started her journey in the field of edcuation, she was my assistant in the classroom. We had such a special friendship. I still have Bible verse suggestions she gave me years ago. It is in her handwriting. I have carried in my Bible for years. Oh how she will be missed. May you feel God’s peace and presence as you deal with this difficult time.
I met Norma when I was a new teacher at Haw Creek. Although, we worked at the same school only a short time, she always had a smile and kind word whenever our paths crossed. Her gentleness and sense of humor are my memories of her. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Dear Shellie and David and Family, Those of us on this end of the chain are just in a state of shock. We can’t believe that it’s true. Norma will always be my sister-in law. I remember her smile and how helpful she was all those years ago. She knows. What is helping is knowing that she and Eddie are finally re-united. This has to be almost unbearable but God will help get you through. His grace is sufficient and He will never leave us or forsake us. With love, Sandy, Landon,Tammy,Ronnie, Cleta, Ray,Carolyn, Robin.
David and Shelly, I am so sorry for your loss. I can not imagine the pain that your whole family is going thru at this time. My heart just breaks for you, seems like I just can’t get your family off my mind. I had seen your mom not to long ago. And she was as bright and cheerful as she ever was. I remember the days as a child and Mrs. Nelson always had a smile on her face. We truely lost two treasures on Wednesday afternoon. but heaven gained two. Only God’s grace can bring you thru this. So lean on him and one another. But just know that I don’t think there is anyone in Fairview that has not been touched by this. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
To Jean Banks and Family- Although we didn’t have the pleasure of meeting your sisters- I ( Rhonda) shared Sunday School with you for many years at Trinity Baptist Church in Asheville-and I wanted to let you know that our family has been remembering you and your family in our prayers this week, and continue to do so. We extend our sympathy to you and your family.
So sorry to hear of your loss Shelly. Frank and I love you and are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Love ya girl,
Pat B.
So sorry to hear of your loss Shelly. Frank and I love you and are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Love ya girl,
Pat B.
My heart goes out to you Shelly and your family. We are thinking about you and your family.Love Pam, Ralph and Ryan
I was in admiration of Norma to go back to school and become an extra-ordinary teacher. Of course, we wanted her to stay at Fairview Elementary where I knew her. Always a kind word, always a smile and she loved those grandchildren. God bless the families.
Dear Shelly,David,and family: No words can express to you how sorry I and the entire community are at this time of loss of your Mother and dear Loved one. Shelly, You and I have known each other from Kindergarten until the day we graduated together from High School, and as Beth Wright said it the best, I can’t close my eyes and ever remember a time that I saw your mother without a smile on her face. Many will tell you, but I will remind you. Today your mother has a new smile in Heaven with Jesus. I want you to know myself and the entire Township was touched by your Mom. I will keep you in my prayers, and may God simply touch and hold your heart in the weeks and months to come. God bless you guys.
We are so sorry for the families loss!
I grew up in a world where schools were as comfortable as home. I felt so lucky as a child to have Ms. Nelson as my teacher, because she felt like family to me. She never closed her door when the bell rang, and never passed on the opportunity to provide humor, comfort, or a teachable moment. All of Ms. Nelson’s special traits left a positive impression on my life, and have shaped me into the teacher I have become and continually strive to be. I wasn’t the only one who felt a connection with Ms. Nelson, because within her, my own Mom found a true kindred spirit. The two of them would laugh for hours, they shared countless meals (most of them cooked by Betty), and they would dream of ways to truly reach their students. Words cannot convey the appreciation I have for Ms. Nelson as a teacher, a dear family friend, and a person who brought light to everyone she knew. I hope that light continues on within each of us who knew her so well — in that way she will continue to shine on every day.
Shelly, I just found out about your mom. I am in total shock. She was always a good and loving person to me. You and your family are in our prayers. We love u all. Laura Shults Morgan and Kayli McDowell
Shelly – My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Please know that I am here for you if there is anything I can do. You are loved.
Jean Banks @ Family: Many years ago we (my sister Lorinda and myself) spent many days and hours playing with your daughters at your house and Pleasant Grove. Those days were the best. I along with my sister and mom (Alda Gregory Huntley) are so deeply saddened to hear about your sisters. What I remenber the most is all you girls had the best smiles, were so funny and witty. Just know that your family is on your minds and hearts.
Shelly and family…My prayers are with you all. So sorry for this tragic loss. A speedy recovery to all others involved. God Bless and be with you. XOXO Trish
I will never forget how you always had faith in my ability to learn and even lead. although i never had confidence in being successful at anything i did, you always had confidence in me and always distilled in me the confidence i needed. You had faith in me when I didn’t have faith in myself, and you taught me how to Love Reading. I will always remember you. Your life and legacy will forever live on. I love you and I will always remember your teachings.
Forever Missed 🙁 Mrs. Nelson.
Love, your student,
Dennis Ethan Connolly
Remember that your loss is shared by many who care and that you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Tammy Pressley
I will never forget Mrs. Nelson. When she introduced me to Anne of Green Gables she introduced me to the power of books. If it wasn’t for her I dont know what would have happened. No one can compare to what an amazing women and teacher she was. Gone but not Forgotten. I love you Mrs. Nelson
Dear Family,
Word’s can never express my deepest sympathy to each of you. May you know that you are in my thought’s and prayer’s. Norma and Betty will live forever in our heart’s and memories..May God give you peace that passes all understanding…
Ms. Nelson was an absolutely amazing woman and teacher to both of my boys, Shawn and Nicky. Not only did she support them in their educational process, but she supported me during their educational journey as well. She was one of the first people to call me on the morning that Nicky died. Not only was I blessed to know her , but the boys were very blessed as well. When I heard about the terrible accident, my first thought was that Norma was up in Heaven taking care of Nicky again. Much love to the family of a wonderful woman. Sincerly, Jill Pearce (Montagna).
I had you as my teacher in 5th grade. You were the very first teacher to get me to enjoy learning. You really stood out to me as a teacher because you were so passionate about teaching. I remember getting my name written on the board a lot because I was such a talker back then. I am 22 years old and I still cherish those memories. Thank you so much for affecting my life so positively. I will forever miss you. Rest in peace.
You were the women that told me that I could do all things and be myself. Still miss you to this day.