Nedra Lynn Outlaw

Nedra Lynn née Norton Outlaw was born to James E. and Betty Joan née Laird Norton on February 5, 1948. She grew up in Conyers, Georgia, and graduated from Rockdale High. Keeping up with her relatives and hometown friends brought her joy.

Nedra matriculated to the University of Georgia in 1966 and earned a Bachelor's in Home Economics. She was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority and developed life-long friendships. After graduation, she continued at Georgia, earning her Master's (1973) while simultaneously teaching full-time in Hartwell, Georgia. In her heart, she was always a Home-Economics teacher though she did not teach again. Instead, she focused on homemaking.

Nedra married William H. Outlaw Jr in 1971 in Athens, Georgia. They moved to Michigan, where their son, William M. Outlaw, was born and then Missouri, where their daughter, Elizabeth C. née Outlaw Crawford, was born. Friendships developed early through Bill's work endured throughout her life. Their final move was to Florida.

Travel enriched Nedra's life. She enjoyed reminiscing on their 6700-mile tent-camping adventure across the U.S. and sleeping outdoors in Glacier and other parks early in their marriage. Likewise, her memories of camping on undeveloped Florida beaches and in the Georgia mountains were precious. She cherished the annual family trip to Oconee State Park. Watching Will and Elizabeth race on the original Olympic track in Greece was a highlight. She was grateful that Will and Elizabeth attended German schools when Bill worked in Tubingen. Her extended visit with Elizabeth, who was teaching near Paris, was special to her. Her best travel, though, was one that concluded with a visit with her family (Will, spouse Christy, children Christine and Harrison; Elizabeth, spouse John, and daughter Kate).

Nedra was the consummate homemaker. She was a skilled seamstress who made lingerie, down jackets, shirts, clothing for her grandchildren, wall hangings, curtains. She was a master in the kitchen and enjoyed serving new dishes, but her favorites were greens, cowpeas, and other Southern comfort food. She meticulously designed and decorated her two last homes, using furniture that she refinished. She was grateful to her alma mater for encouraging and teaching her so she could fulfill her dreams, often inspired by her voracious appetite for reading.

Nedra was supportive of her family. When Bill made wine, she helped; when he gardened, she cooked what he grew; when he harvested fruit, she helped put it away; when he made honey or syrup, she incorporated it into the menu; when Bill visited genealogical sites, locally and abroad, she was there. She never interfered when he traveled alone for extended periods. She was supportive when Bill virtually isolated himself, sometimes for weeks, to write, and silently served him food. She loved her children--and would do anything for them-and she loved the children of others. She loved dogs and dogs loved her. She loved wildlife. In sum, her family leaned on her, and Bill depended on her advice.

The accompanying image of Nedra (2022) captures her essence. She liked familiar simple things like the heirloom camellias she picked from Bill's great-grandfather's homestead (the Samuel Watson Centennial Family Farm). She was exhaustively honest, once driving miles to return a $2 mistake a clerk made. She was an unabashed egalitarian and wanted everyone to live their best life. She was empathetic to a fault.

Nedra suffered from various ailments, especially fibromyalgia and joint disorders, for many years. Her health declined precipitously in her final six months, and she died of a massive hemorrhagic stroke on August 26, 2025. Those she left behind will cherish her memory.