After more than 94 full and wonderful years with family and friends, Nellie Louvina Alexander Biggers, of Charlotte, died peacefully at home on March 17, 2011. A woman of exceptional faith, she devoted her life to praying for and comforting others.
She was born September 3, 1916 in Cooleemee, NC to Robert Clay and Mabel Carmen Alexander. She was predeceased by her husband, Henry Brown ('H.B.') Biggers, Jr. in 1986 and her son, Robert Brown ('Bobby') Biggers in 1980. She was also predeceased by her favorite aunt, Frances T. Hillard, who was more like a sister to her than an aunt; and her beloved 'Uncle Jim' (James Tiller).
Nellie is survived by her daughter, Carmen Biggers Harrington, with whom she lived in Charlotte; and her three grandchildren, Frederick Brown ('Brown') Biggers and his wife, K. Brooke Spangler of Greensboro, NC; Carmen Louise Biggers of Chapel Hill, NC; and Alexander ('Xan') Harrington and his wife, Karyn, of Atlanta, GA.
Family was always her top priority. An often-told family anecdote was that after winning Mrs. North Carolina in 1955, she competed for but turned down the opportunity offered her for the title of Mrs. America because it would mean being away from her husband and children. In addition to her own friends, Nellie was often known as a 'second mother' to her children's friends and 'Grandma' to her grandchildren's friends.
Nellie recognized the value of education and was active in the field throughout her life. She graduated Greensboro College in 1937, and then pursued postgraduate studies at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL. She blended her love of children and education as an art and music teacher at the J.W. Cannon Jr. High School and the A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis, and was later a professor of music and art at Brevard and Winthrop Colleges.
Just a glimpse into how 'ahead of her time' Nellie was, the following appeared in her senior year college annual: 'Nellie, never to be outdone, stood up and said proudly, 'Well, here I am for the moment, but I won't be here so long. I have to catch the next plane for Chicago where I am attending an art exposition. I have been designing for the Cannon Mills Company. Jane and May Mundy will be in Chicago also for they have paintings on exhibition. I don't think Kay chose to have a career, at least not a professional one.'"
An accomplished and enthusiastic singer, Nellie directed local choral productions and staged musicals for the community in Kannapolis. She even sang from the back of the church at her own wedding! She loved music and her parties were famous for not only the fabulous food but also for the singing and enjoyment of friends.
Entertaining others was Nellie's passion. The cakes she designed were in high demand in the Charlotte area. Often, entire weddings were planned around her availability to make the cake, some even being 'booked' more than a year in advance. Even in her final years, she rarely went anywhere that she wasn't stopped by someone whose wedding cake she designed. Her talents were extraordinary.
Nellie's grandson commented after learning of her death, 'I sure hope God likes Christmas decorations because if He doesn't, He's going to have a hard time winning that battle!' Those who know Nellie understand this completely.
She enjoyed china-painting, tatting, Charity League Workshops with her friends, baking, cooking and entertaining -- but most of all spending time with her grandchildren! Among her many other accomplishments, Nellie was Kannapolis, NC's Woman of the Year in 1944; Life Member, Past President and recipient of the distinguished LaRose Grant Award of Charity League; lifelong member of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority; Girl Scout and Cub Scout Den Leader for her children and their friends; Member, First Church of Christ, Scientist; and Member, Providence United Methodist Church. She later attended Dilworth United Methodist Church with Carmen and Xan. And, of course, she was an avid and loyal fan of the NC State Wolfpack and the Appalachian State Mountaineers.
A Memorial Service in celebration of Nellie's remarkable life will be held Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 11:00 a.m., at Dilworth United Methodist Church, 605 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 4426 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC.
Many thanks to her physician, Carmine Dalto, and her wonderful caregivers, especially Pamela Phifer, Grant Chambers, and Chandra Craddock. Those who dedicate their lives to care giving for others are truly Saints. The family also wishes to thank the Hospice Team from Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region for their guidance, care, and compassion during the last several months.
Should it be your desire, donations may be made to: Charity League of Charlotte (Please send your check, made payable to Charity League, Inc., to Charity League, Inc., P.O. Box 471332, Charlotte, NC 28247-1332), http://www.charityleagueofcharlotte.org; Dilworth United Methodist Church (605 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203), http://www.dilworthumc.org/; First Church of Christ, Scientist (1048 Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28205 Phone: 704.334.1973), http://www.cscharlotte.com Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region - South Charlotte, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226 Phone: 704.375.0100, http://www.hpccr.org/.
T.H Robertson Funeral Service, LLC, is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.THRobertson.com.
Published in Charlotte Observer on March 21, 2011
She was born September 3, 1916 in Cooleemee, NC to Robert Clay and Mabel Carmen Alexander. She was predeceased by her husband, Henry Brown ('H.B.') Biggers, Jr. in 1986 and her son, Robert Brown ('Bobby') Biggers in 1980. She was also predeceased by her favorite aunt, Frances T. Hillard, who was more like a sister to her than an aunt; and her beloved 'Uncle Jim' (James Tiller).
Nellie is survived by her daughter, Carmen Biggers Harrington, with whom she lived in Charlotte; and her three grandchildren, Frederick Brown ('Brown') Biggers and his wife, K. Brooke Spangler of Greensboro, NC; Carmen Louise Biggers of Chapel Hill, NC; and Alexander ('Xan') Harrington and his wife, Karyn, of Atlanta, GA.
Family was always her top priority. An often-told family anecdote was that after winning Mrs. North Carolina in 1955, she competed for but turned down the opportunity offered her for the title of Mrs. America because it would mean being away from her husband and children. In addition to her own friends, Nellie was often known as a 'second mother' to her children's friends and 'Grandma' to her grandchildren's friends.
Nellie recognized the value of education and was active in the field throughout her life. She graduated Greensboro College in 1937, and then pursued postgraduate studies at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL. She blended her love of children and education as an art and music teacher at the J.W. Cannon Jr. High School and the A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis, and was later a professor of music and art at Brevard and Winthrop Colleges.
Just a glimpse into how 'ahead of her time' Nellie was, the following appeared in her senior year college annual: 'Nellie, never to be outdone, stood up and said proudly, 'Well, here I am for the moment, but I won't be here so long. I have to catch the next plane for Chicago where I am attending an art exposition. I have been designing for the Cannon Mills Company. Jane and May Mundy will be in Chicago also for they have paintings on exhibition. I don't think Kay chose to have a career, at least not a professional one.'"
An accomplished and enthusiastic singer, Nellie directed local choral productions and staged musicals for the community in Kannapolis. She even sang from the back of the church at her own wedding! She loved music and her parties were famous for not only the fabulous food but also for the singing and enjoyment of friends.
Entertaining others was Nellie's passion. The cakes she designed were in high demand in the Charlotte area. Often, entire weddings were planned around her availability to make the cake, some even being 'booked' more than a year in advance. Even in her final years, she rarely went anywhere that she wasn't stopped by someone whose wedding cake she designed. Her talents were extraordinary.
Nellie's grandson commented after learning of her death, 'I sure hope God likes Christmas decorations because if He doesn't, He's going to have a hard time winning that battle!' Those who know Nellie understand this completely.
She enjoyed china-painting, tatting, Charity League Workshops with her friends, baking, cooking and entertaining -- but most of all spending time with her grandchildren! Among her many other accomplishments, Nellie was Kannapolis, NC's Woman of the Year in 1944; Life Member, Past President and recipient of the distinguished LaRose Grant Award of Charity League; lifelong member of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority; Girl Scout and Cub Scout Den Leader for her children and their friends; Member, First Church of Christ, Scientist; and Member, Providence United Methodist Church. She later attended Dilworth United Methodist Church with Carmen and Xan. And, of course, she was an avid and loyal fan of the NC State Wolfpack and the Appalachian State Mountaineers.
A Memorial Service in celebration of Nellie's remarkable life will be held Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 11:00 a.m., at Dilworth United Methodist Church, 605 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 4426 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC.
Many thanks to her physician, Carmine Dalto, and her wonderful caregivers, especially Pamela Phifer, Grant Chambers, and Chandra Craddock. Those who dedicate their lives to care giving for others are truly Saints. The family also wishes to thank the Hospice Team from Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region for their guidance, care, and compassion during the last several months.
Should it be your desire, donations may be made to: Charity League of Charlotte (Please send your check, made payable to Charity League, Inc., to Charity League, Inc., P.O. Box 471332, Charlotte, NC 28247-1332), http://www.charityleagueofcharlotte.org; Dilworth United Methodist Church (605 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203), http://www.dilworthumc.org/; First Church of Christ, Scientist (1048 Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28205 Phone: 704.334.1973), http://www.cscharlotte.com Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region - South Charlotte, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226 Phone: 704.375.0100, http://www.hpccr.org/.
T.H Robertson Funeral Service, LLC, is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.THRobertson.com.
Published in Charlotte Observer on March 21, 2011
After more than 94 full and wonderful years with family and friends, Nellie Louvina Alexander Biggers, of Charlotte, died peacefully at home on March 17, 2011. A woman of exceptional faith, she devoted her life to praying for and comforting others.
She was born September 3, 1916 in Cooleemee, NC to Robert Clay and Mabel Carmen Alexander. She was predeceased by her husband, Henry Brown ('H.B.') Biggers, Jr. in 1986 and her son, Robert Brown ('Bobby') Biggers in 1980. She was also predeceased by her favorite aunt, Frances T. Hillard, who was more like a sister to her than an aunt; and her beloved 'Uncle Jim' (James Tiller).
Nellie is survived by her daughter, Carmen Biggers Harrington, with whom she lived in Charlotte; and her three grandchildren, Frederick Brown ('Brown') Biggers and his wife, K. Brooke Spangler of Greensboro, NC; Carmen Louise Biggers of Chapel Hill, NC; and Alexander ('Xan') Harrington and his wife, Karyn, of Atlanta, GA.
Family was always her top priority. An often-told family anecdote was that after winning Mrs. North Carolina in 1955, she competed for but turned down the opportunity offered her for the title of Mrs. America because it would mean being away from her husband and children. In addition to her own friends, Nellie was often known as a 'second mother' to her children's friends and 'Grandma' to her grandchildren's friends.
Nellie recognized the value of education and was active in the field throughout her life. She graduated Greensboro College in 1937, and then pursued postgraduate studies at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL. She blended her love of children and education as an art and music teacher at the J.W. Cannon Jr. High School and the A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis, and was later a professor of music and art at Brevard and Winthrop Colleges.
Just a glimpse into how 'ahead of her time' Nellie was, the following appeared in her senior year college annual: 'Nellie, never to be outdone, stood up and said proudly, 'Well, here I am for the moment, but I won't be here so long. I have to catch the next plane for Chicago where I am attending an art exposition. I have been designing for the Cannon Mills Company. Jane and May Mundy will be in Chicago also for they have paintings on exhibition. I don't think Kay chose to have a career, at least not a professional one.'"
An accomplished and enthusiastic singer, Nellie directed local choral productions and staged musicals for the community in Kannapolis. She even sang from the back of the church at her own wedding! She loved music and her parties were famous for not only the fabulous food but also for the singing and enjoyment of friends.
Entertaining others was Nellie's passion. The cakes she designed were in high demand in the Charlotte area. Often, entire weddings were planned around her availability to make the cake, some even being 'booked' more than a year in advance. Even in her final years, she rarely went anywhere that she wasn't stopped by someone whose wedding cake she designed. Her talents were extraordinary.
Nellie's grandson commented after learning of her death, 'I sure hope God likes Christmas decorations because if He doesn't, He's going to have a hard time winning that battle!' Those who know Nellie understand this completely.
She enjoyed china-painting, tatting, Charity League Workshops with her friends, baking, cooking and entertaining -- but most of all spending time with her grandchildren! Among her many other accomplishments, Nellie was Kannapolis, NC's Woman of the Year in 1944; Life Member, Past President and recipient of the distinguished LaRose Grant Award of Charity League; lifelong member of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority; Girl Scout and Cub Scout Den Leader for her children and their friends; Member, First Church of Christ, Scientist; and Member, Providence United Methodist Church. She later attended Dilworth United Methodist Church with Carmen and Xan. And, of course, she was an avid and loyal fan of the NC State Wolfpack and the Appalachian State Mountaineers.
A Memorial Service in celebration of Nellie's remarkable life will be held Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 11:00 a.m., at Dilworth United Methodist Church, 605 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 4426 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC.
Many thanks to her physician, Carmine Dalto, and her wonderful caregivers, especially Pamela Phifer, Grant Chambers, and Chandra Craddock. Those who dedicate their lives to care giving for others are truly Saints. The family also wishes to thank the Hospice Team from Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region for their guidance, care, and compassion during the last several months.
Should it be your desire, donations may be made to: Charity League of Charlotte (Please send your check, made payable to Charity League, Inc., to Charity League, Inc., P.O. Box 471332, Charlotte, NC 28247-1332), http://www.charityleagueofcharlotte.org; Dilworth United Methodist Church (605 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203), http://www.dilworthumc.org/; First Church of Christ, Scientist (1048 Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28205 Phone: 704.334.1973), http://www.cscharlotte.com Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region - South Charlotte, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226 Phone: 704.375.0100, http://www.hpccr.org/.
T.H Robertson Funeral Service, LLC, is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.THRobertson.com.
Published in Charlotte Observer on March 21, 2011
She was born September 3, 1916 in Cooleemee, NC to Robert Clay and Mabel Carmen Alexander. She was predeceased by her husband, Henry Brown ('H.B.') Biggers, Jr. in 1986 and her son, Robert Brown ('Bobby') Biggers in 1980. She was also predeceased by her favorite aunt, Frances T. Hillard, who was more like a sister to her than an aunt; and her beloved 'Uncle Jim' (James Tiller).
Nellie is survived by her daughter, Carmen Biggers Harrington, with whom she lived in Charlotte; and her three grandchildren, Frederick Brown ('Brown') Biggers and his wife, K. Brooke Spangler of Greensboro, NC; Carmen Louise Biggers of Chapel Hill, NC; and Alexander ('Xan') Harrington and his wife, Karyn, of Atlanta, GA.
Family was always her top priority. An often-told family anecdote was that after winning Mrs. North Carolina in 1955, she competed for but turned down the opportunity offered her for the title of Mrs. America because it would mean being away from her husband and children. In addition to her own friends, Nellie was often known as a 'second mother' to her children's friends and 'Grandma' to her grandchildren's friends.
Nellie recognized the value of education and was active in the field throughout her life. She graduated Greensboro College in 1937, and then pursued postgraduate studies at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL. She blended her love of children and education as an art and music teacher at the J.W. Cannon Jr. High School and the A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis, and was later a professor of music and art at Brevard and Winthrop Colleges.
Just a glimpse into how 'ahead of her time' Nellie was, the following appeared in her senior year college annual: 'Nellie, never to be outdone, stood up and said proudly, 'Well, here I am for the moment, but I won't be here so long. I have to catch the next plane for Chicago where I am attending an art exposition. I have been designing for the Cannon Mills Company. Jane and May Mundy will be in Chicago also for they have paintings on exhibition. I don't think Kay chose to have a career, at least not a professional one.'"
An accomplished and enthusiastic singer, Nellie directed local choral productions and staged musicals for the community in Kannapolis. She even sang from the back of the church at her own wedding! She loved music and her parties were famous for not only the fabulous food but also for the singing and enjoyment of friends.
Entertaining others was Nellie's passion. The cakes she designed were in high demand in the Charlotte area. Often, entire weddings were planned around her availability to make the cake, some even being 'booked' more than a year in advance. Even in her final years, she rarely went anywhere that she wasn't stopped by someone whose wedding cake she designed. Her talents were extraordinary.
Nellie's grandson commented after learning of her death, 'I sure hope God likes Christmas decorations because if He doesn't, He's going to have a hard time winning that battle!' Those who know Nellie understand this completely.
She enjoyed china-painting, tatting, Charity League Workshops with her friends, baking, cooking and entertaining -- but most of all spending time with her grandchildren! Among her many other accomplishments, Nellie was Kannapolis, NC's Woman of the Year in 1944; Life Member, Past President and recipient of the distinguished LaRose Grant Award of Charity League; lifelong member of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority; Girl Scout and Cub Scout Den Leader for her children and their friends; Member, First Church of Christ, Scientist; and Member, Providence United Methodist Church. She later attended Dilworth United Methodist Church with Carmen and Xan. And, of course, she was an avid and loyal fan of the NC State Wolfpack and the Appalachian State Mountaineers.
A Memorial Service in celebration of Nellie's remarkable life will be held Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 11:00 a.m., at Dilworth United Methodist Church, 605 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 4426 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC.
Many thanks to her physician, Carmine Dalto, and her wonderful caregivers, especially Pamela Phifer, Grant Chambers, and Chandra Craddock. Those who dedicate their lives to care giving for others are truly Saints. The family also wishes to thank the Hospice Team from Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region for their guidance, care, and compassion during the last several months.
Should it be your desire, donations may be made to: Charity League of Charlotte (Please send your check, made payable to Charity League, Inc., to Charity League, Inc., P.O. Box 471332, Charlotte, NC 28247-1332), http://www.charityleagueofcharlotte.org; Dilworth United Methodist Church (605 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203), http://www.dilworthumc.org/; First Church of Christ, Scientist (1048 Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28205 Phone: 704.334.1973), http://www.cscharlotte.com Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region - South Charlotte, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226 Phone: 704.375.0100, http://www.hpccr.org/.
T.H Robertson Funeral Service, LLC, is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.THRobertson.com.
Published in Charlotte Observer on March 21, 2011
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