Mary Nell Albright

January 12, 1932 - June 29, 2025

Mary Nell Albright, 93, of Tuscaloosa, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 29, 2025.

Nell was born on January 12, 1932, in Reform, Alabama, to the late George and Alie Dean. She grew up on a farm there with her six siblings.

She was incredibly intelligent, gracious, beautiful, charming, and full-of-life. She knew everything there was to know about plants, flowers, gardening, sewing, cooking, baking, and keeping a home. She maintained her beautiful collection of vibrant plants and flowers until the last weeks of her life.

Nell was a caring, nurturing, and affectionate woman who dedicated her life to helping and serving others. She was a devoted member of Skyland Baptist Church and worked for many years at North River Yacht Club, where she was cherished by colleagues and members alike. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Eventually, coming to be known as everyone’s “Aunt Nell” or “Nanny.” Her life was a beautiful testament to God’s love for us, as everyone she encountered was met with genuine love, warmth, kindness, and true friendship. She was a lover, a giver, a helper, a confidant, an encourager, and friend to all.

Nell was preceded in death by her first husband, George Gilliland; her second husband and love-of-her-life, Clay Albright; her beloved daughters, Betty Ann Meggs (Randy) and Shirley Bruner (Chester); her great-grandson, Brody Jones; and her siblings, Billy Dean (Martha), Bert Dean (Mary), Junior Dean (George Henry Jr.) (Rose), and Laurice McGairty (Robert).

She is survived by her daughter, Pam Hodges and her husband Mark of Florence, Alabama; grandchildren Reggie Meggs (Stephanie), Leslie Jones, and Sophie Hodges; great-granddaughter Meaghan Jones; great-grandsons Wes Meggs and Tanner Meggs; and her siblings, Susie Moore (Duel) and Carlos Dean (Eva Jean); along with many nieces and nephews.

Pall bearers will be Don Woodard, Shawn Reynolds, Keith Moore, Richie Spain, Wes Meggs, and Charles McGairty.

Special thanks to Danielle, Mary, Yvonne, and Latoria and all the staff at Hospice of West Alabama for their kind and compassionate care. Additional thanks to TJ’s Pharmacy & Wellness for going above and beyond to help Nanny in her last days.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of West Alabama.