Nell Dean Crickmore

RALEIGH - Nell Dean Crickmore of Raleigh, 94, passed away on November 27, 2020, after a short battle with cancer. Born on January 20, 1926 in Nash County, she was the daughter of the late William Alex and Pattie Harper Crickmore. She graduated from Benvenue High School and attended Louisburg College. She worked for the NC Department of Corrections as a secretary until retirement in 1984. She was a longtime member of Edenton Street Methodist Church in Raleigh. Nell was an interesting, independent, somewhat mysterious lady. She never married and never had a driver's license. She often walked wherever she wanted to go in downtown Raleigh. She once said that all of this walking was what helped to keep her young. She led an exciting life, which included modeling in her younger days for Raleigh department stores, traveling with friends, and going to dances. Friends will fondly remember her love of flowers, especially geraniums, which always adorned the window sill of her apartment that she lived in for over 60 years. She loved Logan's Nursery and was a regular and well known friend and customer for many years. Nell was also well known for her culinary expertise and delicious home cooked southern meals, which she graciously shared with friends, family, neighbors, department of corrections, law enforcement, and as she used to say, "half of Wake County!" Department of Corrections and law enforcement vehicles were often seen at Nell's apartment picking up their homemade delicacies. She was a true southern lady and always helped anyone in need. Nell is survived by one nephew, Jimmie Crickmore and wife, Linda of Rocky Mount; nieces, Joan Lisenbe and husband George of Pittsboro; Hilda Pierce and husband Henry of Rocky Mount; Patty Collins and husband Jeffrey of Newport; and Maxie McGlohon and husband David of Chapel Hill, as well as many great nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind many dear friends who shared life with her over the years. Nell was preceded in death by her parents, her five brothers, Randolph, William, Frank, Francis, and Mack Crickmore, her two sisters, Mildred and Mable, and her niece, Linda Dean Crickmore Journigan. A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the Battleboro Cemetery with the Reverend Joe Mann officiating, where family and friends are welcome. The family will greet friends immediately following the service. Flowers are welcome, or memorials can be made to SECU Jim and Betsy Bryan Hospice Home of UNC Healthcare, 100 Roundtree Way, Pittsboro, NC, 27312 or to Edenton Street Methodist Church, 228 West Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC, 27603. The family expresses a special thanks to the staff at UNC Hospice in Pittsboro where Nell spent the last weeks of her life, surrounded by people who cared about her and visiting with her family and friends. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Battleboro Cemetery 408 W. Battleboro Road Battleboro, NC 27809 Saturday 12/12, 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm The family will greet friends immediately following the service. Service Battleboro Cemetery 408 W. Battleboro Road Battleboro, NC 27809 Saturday 12/12, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the Battleboro Cemetery with the Reverend Joe Mann officiating, where family and friends are welcome. Cemetery Battleboro Cemetery 408 W. Battleboro Road Battleboro, NC 27809 Saturday 12/12, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the Battleboro Cemetery with the Reverend Joe Mann officiating, where family and friends are welcome.