Nellie Gray Taylor Crews went Home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, December 2, 2024, after a sudden illness, even though her health had steadily declined over the last several years. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt.
Born on May 3, 1937, in Henry County Virginia, she grew up in the community of Mayo and had fond memories of her childhood. Even in adulthood, she spent many hours at her home place and enjoyed every minute.
Nellie was a graduate of Drewry Mason High School, class of 1955.
After working a short time as a secretary for both Fieldcrest, Inc. and Baxter-Kelly and Foust, she and her husband, Bill, decided that she should leave her public job to take on the most rewarding job, a stay-at-home wife and mother. At one point, Bill, was in a serious car accident and while he was recovering, Nellie got licensed to sell insurance and was hired by American Family Life Assurance Company (AFLAC, Bill’s employer) to take over Bill’s territory. She did a great job and was given the much-deserved “Fireball” award for her hard work. That was just one indication of her commitment to her husband and family.
Nellie enjoyed gardening, flowers, and all things outdoors. She also enjoyed researching family history and was able to get a lot of information about her ancestors and Bill’s. People in her family are still asking for copies of her work.
Nellie came to know Jesus as her Savior at a young age at Mayo Baptist Church in Spencer, Virginia. She faithfully served the Lord all her days and was never afraid to stand up for Jesus, speak of the love of her Father, and share her testimony.
Nellie’s greatest joys were her great-grandchildren, grandchildren, and children (in that order). She truly loved them with her whole heart.
She was a member of First Baptist Church of Mayodan. In her younger years, she faithfully served the Lord there as a Sunday School teacher and Youth Leader (alongside her husband, Bill).
Years ago, Nellie actively participated in many organizations such as Daughters of the American Revolution, Stoneville Garden Club, and Magna Charter Dames. She loved being involved and put 100% of herself into everything of which she was a part.
Nellie is survived by her and Bill’s children; William Edward Crews, Jr. (Alison Claybrook Collins Crews) and Kimberly Michele Crews (Charles Lynn “Hank” Hankins); grandchildren: Caroline Crews Dunkelberger (Isaac), William “Will” Edward Crews, III, Dr.’s William Barker (Sarah), Ashley Brim (Taylor), Nate Hankins (Janine), Ashley Hankins McCoy (Daniel), Courtney Hankins Williams, Amber DeAnn Hankins, and Kayley Haven Shelton; great-grandchildren: Emma Jane and Wyatt Smith Barker, Noah and Hannah Hankins, Kate, Caleb, and Kelsey Jo McCoy, and Chandler Williams; sister, Hazel Taylor Sparks (Titus); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Nellie was preceded in death by her husband, William Edward Crews; parents, Delma Gray Taylor and Ethel Mae Vernon Taylor; and brother, Joseph Vernon Taylor.
Special thanks to Eden Rehabilitation and Healthcare for their compassion, support, and care for Nellie over the last several years. “Thank you” just doesn’t seem adequate for all they have done. Special thanks also goes to those in the family who were faithful to visit her on a regular basis; sister, Hazel and Titus Sparks, niece and nephew, Darren and Lisa Gatewood, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Beth and Earl Sexton. Not only did they visit, they were always taking things to her and trying to make her comfortable and happy. For this, Nellie’s children will forever be grateful.
In her final hours of life, the family is grateful for the kindness and compassion of the nurses from AuthoraCare Collective.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Baptist Church of Mayodan, 101 N. 1st Avenue, Mayodan, NC 27027, Eden Rehabilitation and Healthcare, 226 N. Oakland Avenue, Eden, NC 27288, and/or AuthoraCare Collective, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro NC.
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