Nell S. Stafford

Nell S. Stafford age 85 went home to the Lord on Friday, February 26, 2016. She was born on May 15, 1930, in Burnsville, North Carolina to Walter and Sarah McDowell Silver and came to Hickory when she was 16. On April 10, 1949 she married the love of her life, Floyd W. Stafford and they were together for 44 years until his passing on March 27, 1994.

Nell loved being at home surrounded by her family and cherished every minute with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was the proud host of many family dinners and holiday celebrations.

Nell is survived by her daughter, Rita Stafford Lowman of Granite Falls; sister, Ruby McMahan of Burnsville; grandchildren, Stephen W. Lowman and wife Layla of Hickory, Kris D. Lowman and wife Mandy of Hickory and Amanda L. Aldrich and husband Jonathan of Granite Falls; great grandchildren, Jessica Lowman, Tanner Lowman, Tristan Lowman, Ava Aldrich and Chase Lowman, and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves her cherished little dog, Regan.

She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Donna Rea Stafford; brothers, Jess, Ralph and Brian Silver and 3 half- sisters, Bonnie Wilson, Gladys Hefner and Blanche Romine.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 3 pm at Catawba Funeral Home in Hickory. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2 pm to 3 pm at the funeral home.