Bobby Gene Merrell Nelson

Born in Meridian, Mississippi, Bobby was the daughter of the late Lucille Dabbs Merrell and Arthur M. Merrell. She graduated from Meridian High School, attended Converse College, and graduated from the University of Mississippi where she was a member of the Tri Delta sorority. Bobby received her master’s degree in psychiatric social work from the University of North Carolina. She met and married Tom while completing their internships at Dorathea Dix Hospital. Their marriage and home were centered on love of family, friends, and church.

Bobby was a deacon, elder, and honorary life member of White Memorial Presbyterian Church, serving on various outreach committees. She was an active member in the DAR, Raleigh Fine Arts Society, and enjoyed her many circles of friends in book club, playing bridge and tennis. Her Mississippi hospitality welcomed and nurtured many.

Her children, their spouses, and grandchildren, have been blessed beyond words by her constant love and encouragement, including an occasional reprimand (gaga letter), and always a listening ear. We will miss her dearly, but she is forever in our hearts.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers at Magnolia Glen, Interim Healthcare, LiveWell, and Transitions Life Care (Hospice Care) for your genuine love and care of Ms. Bobby.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dr. Thomas “Tom” Edgar Nelson, Jr (2014) and her brother Arthur M “Sonny” Merrell and sister-in-law Pauline “Pud” Covington Merrell.

Bobby is survived by three children, Barbara Nelson Edwards (Jim), Thomas Merrell Nelson (Julie), and Anne Dabbs Nelson Blake (David); five grandchildren, James Carlton McLamb, Jr, Sarah Nelson Huettl (Tommy), Jane Andrews Brantley (Andy), Thomas Edgar Nelson, III, and Clem Bolton Holding Boney, Jr.; 5 great grandchildren, two nieces, Jean Merrell-White and Helen Webb. She cherished all of her “Nelson-in-laws” and many other extended family members and friends; all who loved Gaga!

A Witness to the Resurrection service will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 2:00PM at White Memorial Presbyterian Church. The family will receive, following the service, in the Jane Bell Gathering Space.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608; Transitions LifeCare (Hospice Care), 250 Hospice Cir, Raleigh, NC 27607; or the charity of choice.