Please enjoy the slideshow and watch the Memorial Service by clicking on the “Photo and Video” tab.

Nell P Wright of Raleigh, NC, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died on June 13, 2023. She was 101 years and 7 months “young”! She, her family, and friends were looking forward to celebrating 102 in November. Prior to a fall and broken ribs on June 1st, Nell was living in her own home of 31 years, reading, hosting friends and family, playing games, sitting on her front porch enjoying the birds and good conversation. Twelve days after her fall, Nell passed away peacefully in her own home, surrounded by loving family and friends.

Nell was born and raised in Big Stone Gap, VA. The third of 4 children, Nell’s loving parents were Willie Palo Potter and Hattie Mae Kaylor, both from Wise County, VA. Nell attended Big Stone Gap High School, played trumpet in the marching band, and was voted cutest and most popular. After graduation, she attended the University of VA for nursing school. Like many of the Greatest Generation, Nell wanted to serve her country. She joined the Army Nurse Corps. She served her country as a 2nd lieutenant. Stationed at Fort Rucker, Camp Butner, and Fort Benning, Nell had many stories to tell.

In 2011, Nell was delighted to participate in the Flight of Honor program in which WWII veterans were flown to DC to view the newly erected memorial for their service. She particularly enjoyed the simulation of “roll call” in which she received letters from family and friends as if she was still in the war years. One funny letter was from her brother Jerry who teased that she outranked him and got all the attention when visiting his base.

After the war ended, Nell worked at Richmond Psychiatric Hospital. At a dance, she met her wonderful husband, Alfonso Franklin Wright, Jr., who coincidentally grew up in Appalachia, VA, just 20 minutes from her hometown. After he served his country in WWII, Dr. Wright completed Dental School at the Medical College of VA and established a practice in Blacksburg, VA. Nell left nursing to care for their growing family. Asked about her life’s accomplishments, Nell always said that her children were her greatest joy and she loved being a wife and mother.

Her husband was drafted as a dentist to serve in the Korean War. After he returned to her and their 2 daughters, they had 8 more wonderful years and a son. In 1960, Al died of cancer. Never remarrying, Nell always said that she had “steak” and would not settle for “hamburger”. A smart, strong, and independent woman, Nell returned to nursing. She managed to be one of the few working moms in Blacksburg at that time and was voted the most fun and patient mom by her children’s friends who affectionately called her “Mama Wright”. Nell devoted her life to her children and later to her grandchildren. She was so proud of their accomplishments and what fine people they turned out to be. Her son, David, has said that “Mom would win the gold medal for Best Mother Olympics”.

In 1982, Nell retired from nursing and her favorite nursing job with Virginia Tech Student Health (now known as Schiffert Health Center). Nell counted Dr. Schiffert as a close friend. Many of the younger nurses still remember Nurse Nell and what a mentor she was to them. They helped to celebrate Nell’s 95th, 99th, 100th birthdays.

After retirement and traveling extensively with her dear friend, Mrs. Price-Stockton, Nell left her long-time home in Blacksburg and moved to Raleigh to be closer to her grandchildren and essentially help to raise them. She quickly made many friends, both her age and younger, and had an active social life. She volunteered, led groups like Newcomers and Go-Getters, and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, McDaniel Chapter 47 for 71 years. Nell made a point of distributing Poppies for the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary in which she held dual membership for over 50 years. Nell could recite the poem “In Flanders Field” by heart and had a keen interest in helping wounded veterans. She loved to read, discuss books, and play dominos with her wonderful neighbors. She had a way with orchids and loved birds. Many knew Nell as a great southern cook and still long for her pork tenderloin, gravy and biscuit breakfast. Her family will miss her snapping half runners, telling us stories about the old times and then cooking the green beans with fat back.

Nell was friendly, kind, curious, and was always more interested in others. She would ask questions and remember the answers even at 101 which often astounded folks. Many have described Nell as someone whose smile and voice “could just lift you up.” Her grandsons have many sweet and unforgettable memories of their Nana and have declared “Nana” as the kindest person ever. Known as Nell, Nellie, Nurse Nell, Aunt Nell, Mama Wright, and Nana, she was a wonderful person who was deeply loved and will be missed by all.

Nell is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, her 2 brothers & their wives (Bill & Marie Potter and Jerry & Margaret Potter), her sister and her husband (Agnes & Charlie Nelson), and a loved nephew, Steven Potter. Most grievously, her second daughter, Deborah Ann Wright, died of cancer in Sept of 2021. Nell experienced many losses in her 101 years, especially during the pandemic (Shirley and Tom Studebaker, beloved niece and husband). Nell often said that when one lives this long there are many loses but you take it one day at a time and remain positive and grateful for what you have. She loved to sing “Keep on the sunny side of life.”

Surviving family and friends are Drs. Barbara and Gordon Still, David and Nathalie Wright, and Skippy Eldridge (Dee’s wife). Her grandsons are Dr. Gray Still (Christie), Dr. Bryan Still (Margaret), and Jonathan Wright. Great-grand children are Ahren Grant and Emiko Skye Still. All of her nieces and nephews have been very special to her.

A special thank you to those who have cared for Nell like their own parent in her later years- Sue Talbot, Jadine Lee and Lori Beryl. Nell thought of you all as family. Also, a thank you to long time adopted daughter, Ellen Gooding. An additional thanks to John Rubino, MD and Angel Maner, RN who provided loving and expert medical care for so many of her years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Rd. Raleigh, NC 27615 on Sept.2nd 2023 at 2:00pm. Family and friends are welcome to a gathering with refreshments immediately after the service. Internment will be at a later day at the Blacksburg, VA Cemetery alongside her beloved husband and daughter Dee.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Nell to the following: the American Legion Auxiliary (make checks out to American Legion Auxiliary Raleigh Unit 1; mailing address is in care of Mattie West, 1007 Hinson Rd, Dunn, NC 28334 or email mattielw1954@gmail.com); the American Legion (make checks out to American Legion Raleigh Post 1; mailing address is in care of American Legion Raleigh Post 1, PO Box 40097, Raleigh, NC 27629 or email anthonybonapart@bellsouth.net ); or to the charity of your choice.