Dorothy Nell Watson White went to be with Jesus at peace and surrounded by family on April 8, 2023, in Birmingham, Alabama. Nell was born on August 4, 1941, to Ivy and Mamie Watson, in Covington County, Alabama. She came from a large family, the 7th out of 8 siblings, and always appreciated this abundance of love. Nell's life is exemplified by an abiding love and respect for her family. After high school, Nell attended the Mobile Infirmary Nursing School, becoming a dedicated and compassionate nurse at the Infirmary. She later continued her nursing career at the Lynwood Nursing Home.
While at school, she met the love of her life, Joe Morris White (1936-2006), and they were married in 1962 in Florala, Alabama. Joe and Nell moved to Jackson, Mississippi, and later to Mobile, Alabama where they lived together for 44 years, raising three children: Debbie, Beth, and Joe, teaching them the importance of a Christ-centered home.
A faithful wife and mother, Nell partnered with Joe when he opened his own business. She turned in her nursing skills to learn business and help Joe run Mobile Solvent and Supply from January 1980 until his passing in 2006. She always remained a nurse at heart, and when her husband became ill, she cared for him with unwavering strength and love. She continued to remain active in the family business until her retirement in 2019.
A generous spirit, an excellent listener, and a faithful servant, Nell dedicated her time to her churches as a Sunday school teacher at Dauphin Way Baptist Church and later in the young singles ministry at Woodmont Baptist Church.
She poured her time and attention into her family. Nell stayed active in her children and grandchildren's lives. She found a connection with each one and always made sure to actively participate in their passion, attending events and rooting them on. She and Joe always emphasized the importance on spending time together as a family. They gifted their children and grandchildren with decades of big Christmas gatherings teaching the next generation about their faith by reading Scripture and enjoying yearly summers on the beach. Nell loved to cook for her family, constantly making sure that everyone was provided for. Her family always enjoyed her cooking from her signature gumbo to her classic dressing. She also enjoyed some time outdoors planting flowers and working in her yard.
She is survived by her sisters: Betty Sims, Barbara Kelly, Iris Dawson, and Mae Watkins; many nieces and nephews; and her children: Debbie (Chuck), Beth (George), and Joe (Danielle). She leaves behind 13 grandchildren: Alyssa (Patrick), Anna (Fletcher), Daniel (Jessica), George IV, David, Mariah, Patrick, Jackson, Anderson, and Bo. She has two great grandchildren: Judah and Joan.
A celebration of life for Nell will be on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 10:00 am at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.
