Nellie Marie Gross

Nellie Marie Blackburn Gross, age 98, of Antioch, TN passed from this life on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Summit Medical Center.

Born August 7, 1927, in Tullahoma, TN, Marie was the daughter of Walter and Anna Mae Cannon Blackburn. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, Thomas W. Gross; son, Melvin Gross; and siblings, Lorene Phillips, Roger Blackburn, Leonard Blackburn, Mable Thomas, James "Sonny" Blackburn, and JR Blackburn.

Nellie's working career spanned nearly seven decades, beginning in 1945 and continuing until her retirement in 2014. Over the years, she worked with Ford and Chrysler in Detroit, MI, and later with B&G Auto Trim and A&B Incorporated in Antioch.

In her free time, she devoted herself to caring for her family and maintaining her home. She had a genuine curiosity for new technology and enjoyed sharpening her computer skills, often spending time watching YouTube; especially cooking videos. She was Baptist in faith.

She is survived by her loving son, Thomas Gross of Antioch; granddaughter, Tina Thomas and her husband Brian Thomas; grandson Tristen Thomas, brother, Billy Joe Blackburn and his wife Cathrien Blackburn, nieces Peggy Sue Blackburn, Billie Blackburn, Patricia Thomas, Debra Thomas, Janice Owen, and nephews; Ricky Blackburn and Mike Blackburn,

Per her request, she chose cremation and no public services will be held.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Vanderbilt's Ingram Cancer Center or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Doak-Howell Funeral Home is serving the family.

www.doakhowellfuneralhome.com