Nelson (Nell) Brooks Mullis of Charlotte died peacefully on
January 12, 2003. She was born on October 24, 1922, to the late
C.B. Brooks and Leona Helms Brooks in the New Salem community of
Union County.
Nell surrendered her mortality in the comfort of her home, built by
the hands of her father, to take on immortality in that home of
promise not made with hands.
Nell was the faithful supporting and loving wife of Ward Mullis for
fifty years. She was a uniquely caring mother to her three
children: Ronald Baucom and his wife Charlotte of Charlotte, Diane
Baucom Threatt and her husband Melvin of Weddington; and Gary
Mullis and his wife Marla of Asheboro, NC.
Her life was blessed with six grandchildren: Ronda Baucom and her
husband Wally Schmader of Norfolk, Va; Suzanne Baucom Coniguliaro
and her husband Charles of Fort Mill, SC; Jonathon Baucom of
Blacksburg, VA; Cameron Chandler and his fiancée Crystal
Shull of Chapel Hill, NC; Lucas Mullis of Asheboro, NC; and Jessica
Mullis of Boone, NC.
Nell also six step-children: Jennifer Threatt of Charlotte, Ashley
Threatt Causey and her husband Chris of Charlotte; Blake, Lydia and
Scott Simpson of Charlotte; and Jennifer Knowles Shilling and her
husband Dr. Wes Shilling of Blacksburg, VA.
Nell’s life was further blessed with three
great-grandchildren: Abigail, Nicholas and Augustine Coniguliaro of
Fort Mill, SC; and two step great-grandchildren: Sarah and Jake
Schmader of Norfolk, VA.
Her surviving sisters and brother are Lillian Tetro of NYC; Joyce
Philemon and her husband John Baker; Mary Brooks Greene and her
husband Bill; and Peary Neal Brooks and his wife Jewel, all of New
Salem. One uncle, George Brooks of New Salem, and several nieces
and nephews also survive her.
She was preceded in death by her son Jerry Baucom; and her brothers
Keith, Addison and John Vann Brooks.
Nell was an active member of Briar Creek Road Baptist Church
(formerly Commonwealth Baptist Church) for almost 40 years. She
served as general secretary for the Sunday school for over 35
years. She was an active member of the Women’s Auxiliary of
The Charlotte Rescue Mission, and served for many years as an
officer of the Woodberry Forest Garden Club.
Nell lived a quiet and highly focused life of great discipline and
deep faith in and service to her creator and savior. She was known
for her uncompromising integrity and wisdom. She manifested her
great compassion for her family, relatives and friends, not so much
by words spoken as by deeds performed. Those who knew her well
valued her counsel, knowing that she always spoke directly to the
point with clarity. Her presence commanded a profound respect, and
shall be greatly missed.
The outpouring of love and assistance from family, relatives,
friends, and neighbors during Nell’s illness has been a
humbling experience. Your caring friendship has been overwhelming.
Each of you, together with the hospice nurses, has been nothing
less than angels of mercy. We want you to know that your love has
touched our lives at the point of our deepest need. Thank you.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to
The Baptist Children’s Homes of N.C., P.O. Box 338,
Thomasville, NC 27361; Briar Creek Road Baptist Church, 1451 Briar
Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28205; or Presbyterian Home Care Hospice,
1918 Randolph Road, Suite LL-50, Charlotte, NC 28207.
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