Elton was a wonderful wife, sister, and friend to many. She will be missed, but she will live on in the memories we all have of her kindness and devotion to her family.  Jim, Claire, and I spent many evenings at our " round table" reminiscing 
about their childhood, the home-place, and Elton.  Our prayers are with the family at this sad time. Love to all....... Bonnie Myers (Hainesport, New Jersey)

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

It was Christmas morning. The presents had been opened, the French toast casserole had been eaten, and my parents and siblings had returned to bed, each congested and sore from different stages of the flu they'd gotten from each other. As the only family member who drank a kale smoothie every day, I was immune, but also responsible for taking care of them. It had gotten quiet. I sat in the sunroom reading a book I'd just gotten. A Christmas cactus my Dad had intended to take over to our neighbor, Mrs. Elton, sat by the fireplace. I checked on Mom and Dad, and asked if I should walk the cactus over to her. We did this every year to sit and visit with Mrs. Elton for Christmas, and her birthday. I could tell she was excited to see me when she answered the door. Her curled white hair sat under her mint green bed cap. She immediately led me to her kitchen and laid pecan pie, a bowl of chocolates, and a glass of milk on the table in front of me. She thought the cactus was special because it only bloomed once a year, on her birthday, when almost every other type of plant was dead or dying. I told Mrs. Elton about my trip to Australia, and then she told me about what had happened on the last episode of Doctor Oz. As she walked around her kitchen (presumably looking for something else to feed me) I asked her how many chicken pies she thought she'd made in this kitchen. She said, Well Ryan, I make about twenty a week, and them firemen, they eat them all up. I guess they like them, so I'm still makin' them. She smiled behind her thick glasses and looked pleased with herself, but only for a second. Then, she walked back to the table with a fruit basket and walnuts still in their shells. A real nutcracker solider stood on the counter and Mrs. Elton tried to crack one. Here I can do that, I said. My doctor tells me I can't eat mustard greens anymore. I need more red in my diet, beets and turnips. Mrs. Elton passed me the nutcracker. I still cook them about once a week, she said, smiling. Mustard greens are just about my favorite food. I sat there for a little more than four hours, listening to stories Mrs. Elton had heard from her cousins or nephews, and some of her own. I continued cracking the walnuts and passing every other one across the table. Looking past her screen porch I could see the metal greenhouse where she grew her collection of orchids. Mrs. Elton knew more about growing flowers than anyone I've ever known. When I told her I needed to get back home to check on all of my sick family members, she looked at me and said, You're lucky. 
You're lucky you are strong and healthy and can take care of them. They love you for that 
Mrs. Elton was the type of woman that always wanted to take care of others, and was too busy being thankful for how lucky she felt she was, to realize how lucky all of us were to have known her. How lucky it is to have good neighbors and good people living in the homes around yours. When I learned Mrs. Elton had died this morning I knew that every time I see a flower bloom, or a Christmas cactus, I will feel lucky.
Ryan Budd

Elton was such a great neighbor! She looked out for us even when we didn't realize it, she looked out for our children playing in the driveway as well as our pets and the security of our home when we weren't there. She always remembered the kids on holidays and we looked forward to her fruit basket that she gave us each Christmas! Mind you it wasn't a pre-made one, it was one that had all "the good stuff" that she knew we liked. One time I made the comment to her that I loved Palm trees...next thing I knew she had 3 Palm trees planted in her yard visible right out my kitchen window!! I didn't even know you could grow Palm trees in Davie Co. but she did! I always loved her strong-willed side too. She knew what she wanted and didn't mind telling you! I learned a lot from Ms. Elton and I already miss her as a neighbor! I love you and will see you again one day Ms. Elton and hopefully when I do I will be as wise and strong as you were!
Your friend and neighbor,
Janie Budd

OBITUARY

Nellie Elton Cartner Wright

26 December, 1926 – 22 August, 2015

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home

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