Mary Nell Young

Mary “Nell” Willis Young peacefully passed away on October 18, 2018, surrounded by her family who loved her so much. While being sung to by her granddaughter, Jessica, her spirit was accompanied to Heaven by her favorite hymn. Nell was born in Spruce Pine, NC on July 14, 1931. She was the daughter of the late Landon and Madge Curtis Willis. She met and married her late husband, Billy Young, in Detroit, Michigan. They moved to and settled in Charlotte in 1959. She was widowed in 1972, becoming a single mother, raising three beautiful daughters. Nell will be remembered for her admirable work ethic, her dependable nature and her strong mental toughness. When someone had a need, she was always there to lend a helping hand. Her tenacious spirit saw her through the challenges of being a widowed, single mother to three teenaged daughters, two-time survivor of breast cancer, part-time caregiver to her handicapped granddaughter; and compassionate Memaw for another granddaughter being treated for a childhood brain tumor. Nell faced these challenges with dignity, while always caring for and individually loving each and every grandchild. In the end, she faced what may have been her most substantial challenge, that of enduring the sad and debilitating disease of Alzheimer’s. Nell retired from Ivey’s/Dillard’s after 30 years of service, working for Estee Lauder as Counter Manager. After retiring, she devoted her time to visiting with family and friends as well as gardening and working in her yard. Nell could transplant, root and grow any flower. She had a well kept yard and took much pride in its beauty. Nell was also a fabulous cook. She loved preparing food for her family; her meals were amazing. She was a devoted member of Eastern Hills Baptist Church and, until the decline of her health, faithfully attended services every Sunday. Nell was preceded in death by her siblings, Garrett “Byrd” Willis and Jake Willis; Edith Willis Cook, Ruth Willis Carswell, Thelma Willis Harrison, Delilah Goins and Anita Willis Buchanan. Left to honor Nell and remember her love are Nell’s three daughters, Karen (Bob) Branan, Sabrina (Mike) Polly, Donna (Bob) Lilien; eight grandchildren, Lauren (Chase) Waychoff, Ellory Branan, Robert Branan, Jake Polly, Erin Polly, Jessica (John) Parker, Tabitha Reed and Marlee Cooke; two great-grandchildren, Caleb Polly and Olivia Waychoff. She is also survived by her siblings, Pauline Riddle, Sandra Woody, Johnny Willis and Richard Willis. A graveside service to honor Nell’s memory will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 24th, at Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte. Following the service, the family will receive friends at the home of Donna and Bob Lilien, 1533 Queens Road West, Charlotte, NC 28207. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, 110 East 42nd Street, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10017. Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the care shown to our mother by the 5th floor ICU nursing staff and Hospice of Mercy Hospital CMC. Nurses Kayla and Jwoin were her angels and the compassion they extended to our mother has been invaluable to our healing. Thank you!

Mary Nell Young

July 14, 1931 - October 18, 2018