Mary Frances Harrell Nelson

Mary Frances Harrell Nelson, also known as Nana, 80, of New Bern, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 7, 2022 after she lost her battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Mary was born September 23, 1941 in Stokes, NC to the late William Gather and Bettie Pearl Harrell.

Mary was a devoted wife and mother. She had a kind, generous, and loving heart and would do anything for anyone. However, Mary had a stubborn streak in her that would often give you a laugh. Mary's love for children went far above, especially when she drove them around everywhere, and they truly enjoyed her silly side, which gave them the ability to confide in her through all things. When Mary had a baby in her arms, which was often, she would sing lullabies and rock them to sleep. Mary would jokingly tell her family that she was going to run away to Mexico or California. Mary had a love for watermelon, peanut butter and banana sandwiches with mayonnaise, peanut butter Nabs, and Arby's Roast Beef sandwiches. In 1964 on Good Friday, she survived the Alaskan earthquake. When she and Benny moved to Florida and North Carolina, Mary worked and retired as a manager from a convenient store chain. To her family, she will always be Daddy's Little Princess and she will always be loved with a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck. While her family greatly misses her, they rejoice in knowing that Mary is no longer suffering and peacefully sleeping.

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Benjamin Harrison Nelson III (Benny); children, Edie Powell (Dave), Ben Nelson IV (Michelle), David Nelson (Martha), Lori Thomas, and Danny Nelson; grandchildren, Joshua (Fei), Jared, Jordan (Adrienne), Jesi, Ben V, Brooke (Lance), Tyler (Michelle), Katlyn (Zac), and Bissa; great-grandchildren, Robert , Angela, Adam, Lailen, Antonio, Landen, Wyatt, Chandler, Abbi; brothers and sisters, Gatha (Big Buddy) Harrell, Pat (Pete) Evans, Betty (Nute) Beale, Teresa (Tinkerbum) Gray, and Phillip (Bobo) Harrell; and other loving family and close friends.

She is preceded in death by granddaughter, Kimberly; and brother, Latha (Little Buddy) Harrell.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Mary Frances Harrell Nelson.