Obituary: Patricia "Patsy" Smith Nelson

Patricia "Patsy" Smith Nelson, 84, of Zebulon, NC, finished her earthly to-do list on July 14, 2025 — no doubt making sure everything was in order before she headed home to heaven.

Born June 27, 1941, in Clayroot, NC, Patsy was the beloved wife of Rex Nelson and the unshakeable (and sometimes long-suffering) mother of four sons — Denny, Daniel, Darren, and Bryan. She was also the proud “Memaw” to three granddaughters: Cara, Maya, and Vallie.

Patsy loved Jesus with all her heart and wasn’t shy about it. She spent her life serving others — whether singing in the church choir, leading women’s retreats (earning the nickname “The Sarge” for her gift of lovingly taking charge), or literally driving the church bus when nobody else would. She showed up where she was needed — for Meals on Wheels, blood drives, Northwest Christian Church, Vision Casters Ministries, and countless other places most of us wouldn’t have thought to volunteer. Before her boys came along, she worked as a nurse at Lenoir Memorial Hospital and later used those same skills at a local clinic, caring for folks who couldn’t afford care — because that’s who she was.

She leaves behind her husband Rex; sons, Daniel (Tammie) and Denny (Naomi); granddaughters, Maya, Cara, and Vallie; her sister, Linda Herring; and her brother, Jeff Smith.

She joins in heaven her sons, Darren and Bryan; and her parents, David and Beatrice Smith.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, July 17, at 11am in the Edwards Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, Patsy would much rather you put your faith in Jesus — because she’s with Him now, and the only thing she ever really wanted was for you to know Him too.

Patsy will be dearly missed, fondly remembered, and joyfully celebrated by all who knew her.

Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations, Kinston. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com