BATTLEBORO - Nellie Mae Burgess Carmichael, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. Born in Nash County, NC on August 9, 1939, she was the daughter of the late James Edward Burgess and Thelma Mae Bell Daly Burgess. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Barton Carmichael, Sr.; and her son, Joseph Barton "Bart" Carmichael, Jr.
Nellie attended Battleboro School and then graduated from Whitakers High School. She worked at Wesleyan College in 1963. Nellie trained and worked for Parkview Hospital as a surgical scrub technician. When Parkview Hospital closed, Nash General was built and Nellie worked at Nash General Hospital for 35 years and then another five years part-time as a 1st assistant operating room technician. She was given a special parking space right by the door under a newly built parking deck for doctors. Nash General gave her this honor for all her hard work and dedication to the hospital and the surgical department. Many people would ask when she was working so that their surgeries could be scheduled when she would be there. Nellie was the Battleboro community nurse as well. She was a member of the City of Rocky Mount Board of Adjusters for many years. Nellie was the first woman to be elected and served for years as a Battleboro Commissioner. Nellie loved animals as she was always saving them and nursing them back to health. She enjoyed working in her tulip flower beds.
Nellie was so much fun to be around. She had a personality that you couldn't help but have lots of laughs and fun. She loved a good joke and she enjoyed telling them to others. Her feisty character kept everyone in check. You always knew where you stood with Nellie. She was a straight shooter. Nellie was a devout fan and member of the Rocky Mount Senior High Marching Band Boosters and she loved traveling with them. Nellie and Toby loved to travel with Hardee's on business trips. They explored many states together. She was a longtime active member of Battleboro United Methodist Church. Nellie was very protective and loved her boys and enjoyed all the shenanigans that came from having a house full of boys. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Nellie is survived by her sons, Anthony "Tony" Carmichael and wife, Tonia, of Rocky Mount and Todd Vincent Carmichael and wife, Patricia, of Battleboro; and her grandchildren, Brittany Carmichael of Wilmington, Cameron Carmichael of Chambersburg, PA, Samantha Carmichael of Battleboro, Kiersten Carmichael of Rocky Mount, and Taylor Carmichael of Battleboro; her great-grandson, Connor James Carmichael of Wilmington; her sister, Peggy Burgess Strickland and husband, John, of Goldsboro; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Nellie's life will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Kim Lail and Lay Reader, Parker Phillips officiating. Burial will follow the service at Battleboro Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Nellie's memory to Battleboro United Methodist Church, PO Box 178, Battleboro, NC 27809.
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
Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Wednesday 8/17, 10:00 am - 10:45 am
Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
Service
Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Wednesday 8/17, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
A Funeral Service to celebrate Nellie's life will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Kim Lail officiating.
Cemetery
Battleboro Cemetery
408 W. Battleboro Road
Battleboro, NC 27809
Wednesday 8/17, 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Burial will follow the service at Battleboro Cemetery.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Nellie was a good friend. We went to school together for 12 years, graduating in 1957. Our graduating class remained friends, enjoying quarterly luncheons over the years. She will be missed when our class is able to meet again. I have lots of good memories of her. In our teen years she hosted many sleepovers. We called them pajama parties. I will miss you my friend.
My sincere condolences to all of Nellie’s family. The memories made while working with her will live forever in my heart.
A truly beautiful lady! She always had a feisty sad to her. She will be missed.
Mrs. Nellie was a wonderful person inside and out. My family and I are so sorry for your loss and we will miss her dearly.
Nellie was a wonderful person. She will be missed. My condolences to her family
Our sympathy with the family-Nelli was a very special person! Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Nellie Carmichael by Linda & Gordon Mathes. Send Flowers