Columbus, GA- Funeral Services for Mrs. Nellie Alberta Gray Smith will be held 11:00am Saturday, August 19, 2023 at the Mine Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Johnny Peterson, Pastor and the Rev. Javon Jackson Eulogist. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Viewing will be 5:00pm -7:00pm Friday at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home, Johnston.
Mrs. Nellie Alberta Gray Smith was born March 12, 1934 to Willie Lee and Bennie Lee Gray in Johnston, SC. She passed away on August 7, 2023 in Columbus GA surrounded by her loving children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Nellie graduated from Johnston High School as Valedictorian, Vorhees Junior College with a General Education Degree and Columbus College with a General Studies Degree.
Nellie joined Mine Creek Baptist Church in Johnston, SC at a young age. As an adult living in Columbus, she became a member of Holsey Chapel CME Church where she served as a Stewardess, was a member on the Pastor’s Aide Board, and sang in the choir.
Nellie started her work career with the Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). Over time, she became a mobile manager for AAFES and traveled for work in Victorville CA and Los Angeles CA. Upon her retirement from AAFES, Nellie returned to Columbus and began working for Muscogee County School District as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional. After 11 years, she retired permanently and became a full-time mother and grandmother.
Nellie had a very active social life. She was inducted into Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Beta Zeta Chapter in 1994 and served as President for four years. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society.
Nellie was a true Matriarch. She was loved and adored by many. Sunday dinner was her way of showing her love. SHE never met a stranger and there was always room at the table.
Nellie was predeceased by her father , mother, and siblings, Willette Gray, Eunice Price, Addie Louise, White, Eva Lou Stevens, Willie (Billy) Gray, Jr., Thomas (Jimmy) Gray and Marjorie (Betty) Miles.
She leaves to love honor and cherish her memory, by her siblings, Mildred (Mickey) Gray, James Albert Gray (Gail), Annie Sarah Richardson, and her devoted children, Audrey Earl, Eric Smith(Soizik), Tracy Robertson(Kelvin), Andrea Brown (Jeffery), 11 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and a host
of nieces nephews and friends.