Nell Leonard Whitehurst

Nell L. Whitehurst, 95, of Raleigh, NC, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 16, 1917 in Franklinton, NC to William and Cora Leonard and spent most of her early life in Wake Forest before moving to Raleigh when she was 19. There she met the love of her life, Jim Whitehurst, and they married a few years later. Nell was an active member of Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, and a member of both the Elizabeth Group and the Couples Class.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of over 50 years, Jim Whitehurst; siblings, Larkin, Hermus, Ashby, Howard, Mabel, Dot and Evelyn; and her parents.

Nell will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. A sweet and gentle soul, she will be dearly missed by everyone blessed to have known her.

Nell is survived by her son, Dr. James A. “Al” Whitehurst and wife Diane; daughter, Kay Whitehurst Nagle and husband Bob; sister, Vergie Baxley, the best sister anyone ever had; step grandchildren, Jill and Rob Nagle; grandson, Jason Whitehurst and wife Candice; grandson, Brad Whitehurst and wife Ann; great grandchildren, Cameron, Jake, Brady and James Whitehurst, and an eagerly anticipated great granddaughter. Special thanks to Dee Bogan, niece Pat Spence and to the Springmoor staff for their loving care.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 26, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 St. Mary’s Street, Raleigh, NC 27605.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in the Auditorium at Springmoor Life Care Community, 1500 Sawmill Rd., Raleigh, NC 27615. A Graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Raleigh Memorial Park.

Memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels or Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, 718 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC.