Heather Dawn Nelms was born on a beautiful sunny Monday, November 17, 1969. She returned to her heavenly home on another beautiful sunny Monday, September 3, 2018.

Heather graduated from Louisburg High School and was valedictorian of her 1988 graduating class; she graduated summa cum laude from Campbell University in 1992. For 26 years she was a social worker at Franklin County Department of Social Services. She knew how to be a good friend and was rewarded with the love and friendship of her always supportive co-workers at DSS.

She loved 1940's culture and big band music, everything related to her niece Krissi and nephew Keagan, and Pelican's Snoballs. Her quilts, exquisite embroidery, and unique variety of creations will remain with us as reminders of her imagination and extraordinary handiwork.

Heather was gentle, soft spoken, and sweet; but she met the cruelty of her disease and its treatments with courage and determination. She was a mighty warrior to the end. Her life was a living example of Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you."

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her parents, Gerald and Gail Nelms; sister and brother-in-law, Kris and David Troutner; niece Krissi; nephew Keagan, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Melvin and Mae Lynn Nelms, and her maternal grandparents, Bryant and Eula Leonard.

Kind hearted, fierce mind, brave spirit - This is our precious Heather.

The family received friends at White Level Baptist Church, Wednesday, September 5, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. The funeral service followed at 7:30 p.m., with Rev. William A. Wallace officiating. Private graveside service was conducted by the Rev. Doug Moore.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 or White Level Baptist Church Relay for Life, 2400 White Level Road, Louisburg, NC 27549.

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