Elsie Mae Nall

Elsie Mae Nall, 92, passed away peacefully at home on May 24, 2023. During her life, she made her home a gathering place for loved ones — full of storytelling, celebrations, and homecooked meals. And as she moved from this world to the next, family and friends gathered to hold her close.

Elsie was a lifelong learner, teacher, community-builder, and doer. She graduated as valedictorian in 1949 from Hasty High School. She was a dedicated member of Immanuel Baptist Church for 69 years. She was a beloved Sunday School teacher, teaching generations of us to love one another. She taught English as a Second Language classes with Immanuel’s International Fellowship, welcoming new families into Greensboro with open arms. She always worked — first on her family’s farm, then at Western Electric, and finally for 38 years in concessions at the Greensboro Coliseum, extending the city’s hospitality to hundreds of thousands of visitors. Elsie also served consistently as an Election Day poll worker, believing in our civic duty to make voting accessible and fair. And during her lifetime she gave 19 gallons of blood to the Red Cross (that’s equal to the blood of almost 15 adults!).

She was a crafting queen, a card player, a romance novel reader, a traveler, an athlete, and a gardener. Elsie made her community strong, loving, and beautiful. We see the gifts she has left us everywhere. In flowers blooming. In practicing the Golden Rule. In doing it right the first time. And in those working behind the scenes to keep families running, community groups thriving, and Greensboro growing.

Elsie was born in Thomasville to the late Walter Nelson McGee and Zella Mae Sink McGee on January 15, 1931. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Willard Donald Nall; grandson, Paul Brackett; and siblings, Roger McGee and Louise Gammons.

She is survived by her sister, Irene Rudisill; children, Karen Brackett (Richard) of Stokesdale, Kathy Johnson (Ralph Joel) of Pleasant Garden, Rhonda Kaye Nall of Greensboro, and Donald Scott Nall (Donna) of Ramseur; grandchildren, Adam Brackett, Sarah Colonna, Emily Johnson, Dugan Nall, Rosemary Johnson, and Shea Nall; and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will take place Friday, June 2 from 6-8 pm at Advantage Funeral at 1900 Vanstory St. A memorial will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church on Saturday, June 3 at 1 pm. Donations may be sent to Immanuel Baptist Church, 2432 W. Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27403, to Greensboro Urban Ministry, or to the American Red Cross.