Nellie Welborn Brown

Nellie Welborn Brown

Anderson, SC

Nellie I. Welborn Brown, 86, widow of Carroll L. Brown, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at the Rainey Hospice House in Anderson, SC.

Nellie was born on October 5, 1931, the daughter of the late Joel T. Welborn, Sr. and Lillian Allison Welborn. She was the co-owner of The Monogram Shoppe with her daughter Peggy B. Purdy. Nellie had also previously managed Medical Rental Supply and Anderson Tile Company.

Nellie was an active member of Concord Baptist Church, which she joined as a teenager. She served in various capacities over the years including teaching Sunday School and Training Union along with her husband, Carroll. As a Sunday School department secretary for many years, she helped maintain class records and also helped count the offering in the church office on Mondays. Nellie loved music and she enjoyed leading children's choir along with Junior Choir in her younger years. She was a devoted member of the Concord Sanctuary Choir for over 60 years until her health prevented her participation.

Nellie graduated from Anderson Girls' High in 1950 where she lettered in field hockey, basketball, and band. She proudly played the French horn in the high school band from eighth grade until graduation. During this time, she was an inaugural member of the Anderson Symphony. Her love was music was deep and was instilled into her family through her daughter and grandchildren. For many years, Nellie dedicated herself to organizing annual class reunions to bring together her fellow alumni of the Boys' and Girls' Class of 1950.

Nellie was loved by all who knew her and will be remembered for her feisty personality and fiercely loyal dedication to her family and friends. She was always active and involved in one project or another, whether it be organizing an event or learning a new craft to use her creative talents. She loved Clemson football and you couldn't keep her from watching the games on Saturdays in the fall. Her enthusiasm was contagious especially when the opponent was the Gamecocks.

Nellie leaves behind a daughter, Peggy B. Purdy and her husband Thomas L. Purdy along with their children Jamie P. Hamrick (Cameron Travis) of Marietta, GA and son Christopher T. Purdy of Harleyville, SC. Great-grandchildren include Audrey Grace and Andrew Street Hamrick; Adley Havalla and Lillian Gene Purdy. Also to mourn her loss, sister in law, Gloria S. Welborn of Charlotte, NC; brothers-in-law, Edwin Brown (Annie Ruth) of Hodges, SC and Rev. Melvin Brown (Wanda) of Greenwood, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carroll L. Brown and brother Joel T. "JT" Welborn, Jr., as well as her parents.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm Friday, February 23, 2018 at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 24, 2018, in the Concord Baptist Church sanctuary with Rev. Randy Blank and Rev. Melvin Brown officiating. Music will be provided by Fran King and Steve Alexander. Entombment will follow at the Concord Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will be at the home of Thomas and Peggy Purdy. Memorials may be made to the Concord Baptist Church music ministry.

A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com.