A short while ago I got the word from her daughter that Nell Rose, one of the most enthused and energetic and especially dynamic people who I have ever had the great pleasure of knowing, passed away yesterday.
Nell was the embodiment of model leadership. She would see things that could have been better and she threw herself into it, no questions asked. This was especially noted in her myriad of activities involving education. She spearheaded a number of initiatives when she and her family moved to Charlotte. And then some years later when they moved back to the Reidsville area, she brought that same vision to bear. The woman was nigh unstoppable.
I knew Nell from a variety of situations. The first time we met, it was during our high school swim team's weekly meets. Her two daughters were on the team and Nell often came to cheer not only her own girls on, but she was behind all of us. Her beautiful beaming smile never failed to encourage and inspire us ever forward.
Nell was one of the first members of the consolidated school board after all the systems in Rockingham County merged. And that led to further contact with Nell as I got involved in the county's education affairs. She and I had many conversations about a variety of subjects, and I always went away feeling that much more wise and enlightened.
And then there was Theatre Guild of Rockingham County. Nell served on the board of that. And she came to most of our performances. It was a special feeling, knowing that she was in the audience as we put on our production. I think we made sure to put a little extra heart into the act when Nell was in the house.
Wow. So much I could say about this fine lady. She was the kind of person who really did make this world a much better place for her being here. There is, was and ever will be only one Nell Rose. God broke the mold when He designed her.
Here is Nell's extensive obituary on the Citty Funeral Home site.
Thoughts and prayers going up and out for her loved ones.
