Obituary for Martha Ann Nelson
Martha Nelson passed away December 11, 2022 at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center.Martha was born in Spartanburg, SC to Lytle and Rona McBride. Most of her adult life was spent in the Raleigh-Durham area. Upon her retirement from real estate, she lived in Chesapeake, VA.
Being widowed at the early age of 32, Martha courageously struck out to choose a career. She also was mother to her daughter, Becky, and son, Matt. She gained experience in banking and then went on to get her real estate license. Traits of determination and a good work ethic were on display in her office. The walls were covered with plaques and awards as top in sales. Clients that came to her were sure to have their specific needs and desires met.
It was common to see stacks of library books around as Martha she was an avid reader. Her Bible was what she read first every day. She enjoyed flowers and cooking. Hospitality was one of her gifts. Her 7 grandchildren will always remember the birthday celebrations she had for them. There would be huge bouquets of balloons at each birthday occasion. The birthday menu that they looked forward to was unlimited pizza – specifically from Pizza Hut. Uncle Matt (her son) was always there for the annual Christmas breakfast she hosted. Somewhere along the way, she began the Christmas Eve tradition of making shrimp jambalaya and unsweetened cornbread.
In her retired years, living in a skilled care facility, she watched over the other residents. She would be quick to report their needs to the nurses – including any annoying behavior. The residents and staff enjoyed her piano playing in the front living room. Every morning she would play hymns or appropriate holiday music for about an hour on the piano. The piano room was also a place she received visits from family including 7 great-grandchildren that were added to the family.
Martha had several names of endearment: Mother to Becky and Matt; Granny to her 7 grandchildren (Isaac, Cara, Joseph, Ruth, Benjamin, James, Abraham); Gigi to her great-grandchildren (Dahniel, Avril, David, Anthony, Gavin, Dominic, Jordan) She is survived by her children, Rebecca Phillips and Matthew Rambeau; grandchildren, Isaac Phillips(Kim), Cara Sampson(James), Joseph Phillips, Ruth Bates, Benjamin Phillips(Jessica), James Phillips(Heidi), and Abraham Phillips. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Dahniel Crepsac, David Bates, Anthony Bates, Gavin Phillips, Dominic Phillips and Jordan Phillips.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Maplewood Cemetery, 1621 Duke University Rd., Durham, NC 27701. Arrangements are under the care of Graham Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1112 Kempsville Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23320
Being widowed at the early age of 32, Martha courageously struck out to choose a career. She also was mother to her daughter, Becky, and son, Matt. She gained experience in banking and then went on to get her real estate license. Traits of determination and a good work ethic were on display in her office. The walls were covered with plaques and awards as top in sales. Clients that came to her were sure to have their specific needs and desires met.
It was common to see stacks of library books around as Martha she was an avid reader. Her Bible was what she read first every day. She enjoyed flowers and cooking. Hospitality was one of her gifts. Her 7 grandchildren will always remember the birthday celebrations she had for them. There would be huge bouquets of balloons at each birthday occasion. The birthday menu that they looked forward to was unlimited pizza – specifically from Pizza Hut. Uncle Matt (her son) was always there for the annual Christmas breakfast she hosted. Somewhere along the way, she began the Christmas Eve tradition of making shrimp jambalaya and unsweetened cornbread.
In her retired years, living in a skilled care facility, she watched over the other residents. She would be quick to report their needs to the nurses – including any annoying behavior. The residents and staff enjoyed her piano playing in the front living room. Every morning she would play hymns or appropriate holiday music for about an hour on the piano. The piano room was also a place she received visits from family including 7 great-grandchildren that were added to the family.
Martha had several names of endearment: Mother to Becky and Matt; Granny to her 7 grandchildren (Isaac, Cara, Joseph, Ruth, Benjamin, James, Abraham); Gigi to her great-grandchildren (Dahniel, Avril, David, Anthony, Gavin, Dominic, Jordan) She is survived by her children, Rebecca Phillips and Matthew Rambeau; grandchildren, Isaac Phillips(Kim), Cara Sampson(James), Joseph Phillips, Ruth Bates, Benjamin Phillips(Jessica), James Phillips(Heidi), and Abraham Phillips. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Dahniel Crepsac, David Bates, Anthony Bates, Gavin Phillips, Dominic Phillips and Jordan Phillips.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Maplewood Cemetery, 1621 Duke University Rd., Durham, NC 27701. Arrangements are under the care of Graham Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1112 Kempsville Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23320