December 8, 1930 – June 4, 2012
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Eloise was a daughter of the late Alfred William and Vann Lee Gardner of Halifax County. She was the second oldest of a family of three girls and one boy. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Ensley L. Nelms, and brother, Robert Gardner.
Eloise lived and grew up on her family’s farm, attending Hollister Elementary. Upon graduation from Aurelian Springs High School, she attended Parkview Nursing School in Rocky Mount, NC. She received her R.N degree in 1954. She married the love of her life, Ensley Lee Nelms, on July 6th, 1954. The two lived in Louisburg where she was employed at Franklin Memorial Hospital as a Registered Nurse. Eloise later became employed by Dr. T.O. Wheeless at his private practice in Louisburg, where she worked several years. She accepted a position with Franklin County School System as a School Nurse working in various county schools. She was later employed with the Franklin County Health Department as a Nurse Supervisor. Eloise loved the Nursing profession, that after 46 years of serving patients of which many became good friends.
Eloise was the original multi tasker. She was a wife, mother, nurse and hard worker on her and her husband’s farm in Cedar Rock.
Eloise loved her neighbors and friends of the Cedar Rock community. She was a member of Cedar Rock First Baptist Church. She served as a Sunday School teacher, deaconess, W.M.U. member and leader. She dedicated her life with service to the Lord Jesus Christ at the age of eight. Eloise loved her family, gardening, cooking, reading and sewing.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at Cedar Rock First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Ben and Diane Nelms of Castalia; daughter, Blythe Nelms of Garner; sisters, Martha G. Wilson of Roanoke Rapids and Doris G. Gupton of Poplarsville, MS; grandchildren, Walker Nelms, Carson Nelms, Amanda N. Signs and husband Robert; great-granddaughter Isabella Signs; many nieces and nephews, and loving pet, “June.”
Special Appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Mark Yoffe and Physician Assistant Alison Casey at the Cancer Centers of NC (Macon Pond Road, Raleigh NC) and their wonderful caring staff. Special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of Rex Hospital for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The American Cancer Society, 8300 Health Park # 10, Raleigh, NC 27615 or Cedar Rock First Baptist Church, 4879 NC Hwy. 56 E., Castalia, NC 27816. The Family appreciates all prayers and other acts of love and kindness during this time.
The family will receive friends 7 – 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.
Paid Obituary