Nell W. Schrader

Nell W. Schrader, 93, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026. She was born in Johnston County to the late Rev. Decatur Fox Waddell and Josephine Thacker Wadell. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John Clement Schrader; brother Decatur "John" Waddell; sisters Joanne Waddell Whitt and Laura Waddell Weddell.

Mrs. Schrader was devoted to the Lord, her family, and clinical research at Duke University. She was listed on many research publications due to her contributions. She loved learning and was a passionate reader. She adored her husband of over 60 years, her daughters, her grandsons, and her sweet dog Maggie. Mrs. Schrader had a beloved roommate, friend and prayer partner, Sabrina Williams.

Mrs. Schrader is survived by her daughters, Joan Schrader Marion (spouse Luke Marion III) and Susan Schrader Merrill (spouse Timothy Merrill); grandchildren, Connor Strickland Burhans, Zachary Chaffin Burhans, John Patrick Merrill and Andrew Scott Merrill.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 2:00 pm at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Hillsborough, NC, officiated by Rev. Susan Keedy. There will be a reception at the church immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Brain Research Foundation to further brain research which includes dementia, autism and many other brain disorders: www.thebrf.org

A special thanks to the staff at Huntersville Oaks, Huntersville, NC for the exceptional care in her final days.

The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Hillsborough. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.