Nell Bate : Obituary

The Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville announces graveside services for Mrs. Nell Vanderslice Bate, age 80 of Blairsville who passed away on Sunday evening, December 30, 2012 surrounded by the love of her family.

Mrs. Bate was born January 7, 1932 in Sylacauga, AL, a daughter of the late Reuben N. and Blonnie O. Huett Vanderslice. After graduating from Shelby County High School, Nell relocated from her childhood home in Shelby, AL to Atlanta, GA. There she furthered her education and career in cosmetology and business/accounting. Nell enjoyed spending time with and entertaining friends and family especially at the holidays. Nell and her late husband Fred took a road trip to the mountains of North Georgia and fell in love with the area. They made a pact to retire there someday and worked hard to make that dream a reality. Along the way, getaways to the mountains were always highlighted with fun times. From walks among the rhododendron to listening to the sounds of the waterfall, every moment was treasured.

Nell rescued many animals among them were Mandy, Smoky and Callie. They became part of the family and were loved by all. She enjoyed baking, knitting, laughing, make-up artistry, antiquities, flowers, animals and volunteering. Nell was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, the Lions Club, the Pink Ladies, the Red Hatters and the American Legion Auxiliary. Nell recognized the importance of giving back and encouraged others to do so. She is preceded in death by her brother, Duran Vanderslice and her sister, Mary Thompson.

Nell will be greatly missed by all, especially by her loving family: her sister, Jackie Lowery (Buddy); sister-in-law, Lenora Vanderslice; nephew, Vandy Lowery (Joanna Genry); niece, Teresa Dollar (Jimmy); niece, Duann Thistlethwaite (Jamie); great-niece, Teneal Smith (Joey); great-niece, Tonya Miller (Wesley); great-nephew, Adam Lowery (Rikki); great-nephew, Daniel Lowery (Christen); great-nephew, Duran Dollar; Four great-great nephews and four great-great nieces.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 from Union Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Tommy Hunt officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5 until 8 pm.