Nellie (McNeill) Brewington

Nellie Brewington, age 103 of 3545 Thamesford Rd., Fayetteville, NC passed on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Haymount Rehab and Nursing Center, Fayetteville, NC.

THE MEMORIAL REFLECTIONS

                      “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. | Proverbs 31:25 - 26

NELLIE MARI McNEILL BREWINGTON was born on August 21, 1916 as the fifth of the ten descendants of the late Danny and Minnie Chalmers McNeill in Harnett County, NC. She was baptized at an early age at Love Grove AME Zion Church, Sanford, NC. She matriculated through the former Ridgeway Rosenwald School, Swann Station, NC. 

NELLIE’s genuine heart and generous spirit allowed her to serve many families on any occasion. As a domestic and homeworker, she was an expert in canning, baking, quilting, and fishing.

NELLIE was united in Holy Matrimony to Jessie Gray Brewington of Broadway, NC in 1934 and their legacy was blessed with their three sons Jessie Robert, Danny, and one daughter, Minnie.

NELLIE was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and was a willing participant of the Broadway Our Way Festival, Broadway, NC. She received numerous awards, certificates and accolades throughout her long life. She was honored with letters of accommodations from the following: President William J. “Bill” Clinton, President George W. Bush, President Barack H. Obama; the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs; North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper; Mayor Donald Andrews and the Town of Broadway, NC; the City of Sanford, NC; and Pastor Kenneth Swann and Cameron Grove AME Zion Church. In memory of her son’s service to our nation, NELLIE was given the delightful privilege of placing the memorial wreath at the Dedication of the Sanford City Hall in 1987.

NELLIE’s soul was built on a firm foundation at Love Grove AME Zion Church. After her marriage, she united with her husband as a member of Chestnut AME Zion Church, Sanford, NC. Later, they transferred their membership to Cameron Grove AME Zion Church, Broadway, NC. As a disciple of Cameron Grove Church, her ministry continued and her legacy expounded through her services as the President of the Stewardess Board #1, Chairperson of Varick Christian Endeavor Society (now known as the Christian Education Department), a Life Member of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society, a member of the Connectional Lay Council, a Class Leader a member of the Usher Board, the “original” Gospel Choir, and the Kitchen Staff, where she was known for her sweet potato pies and pineapple coconut cake. In March 2016, in honor and in recognition of her being the oldest disciple of Cameron Grove Church, she was consecrated as a Deaconess in the Lord’s Church and became a “mother” of the church.

NELLIE was a tremendous blessing and a marvelous asset to her family, community, and church. She was indeed our gift from God. As her health declined, her family deemed it necessary for her to spend the rest of her golden years with them in Fayetteville, NC. Nevertheless, she remained independent and strong-willed all the way to the end. Sunday, August 18, 2019 was indeed a highlight for her as she attended her 103rd Birthday Social given by her church family. Upon her transition on Saturday afternoon, September 28, 2019, she was appreciated for her faithfulness, admired for her elegance and applauded for her grace. We praise our God for her long life and for the sweet memories we will always cherish from MOTHER NELLIE MARI McNEILL BREWINGTON. “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

NELLIE was preceded in death by her parents, Danny and Minnie McNeill; her husband, Jessie Gray Brewington (April 2, 1972); her three sons, PFC Danny James Brewington (July 19, 1966), and Infants Jessie Gray Jr. and Robert Wade);  and all her siblings: Cleveland McNeill, Arbella McNeill McKoy, Leon McNeill, Clarence McNeill, James McNeill, Cora McNeill McDougald, Julius McNeill, Mildred McNeill, and Clifton McNeill.

The extraordinary life and the rich legacy of NELLIE will be forever etched in the hearts of her devoted daughter and son-in-love: Minnie Brewington Ragland and Samuel Ragland of Fayetteville, NC, her doting grandson: Daniel Ragland of Van Nuys, CA; her precious granddaughter-in-love: Sakiyna Ragland of Huntersville, NC; her two delightful great-grandchildren: Jackson and Jaya Ragland of Huntersville, NC; her caring nephew and wife: Calvin and Edna McNeill of Sanford, NC; her loving niece and husband: Dianne and Harry Chubbs, Sr. of Broadway, NC; her special cousin: Lillian Farrell of Lillington, NC; generations of nieces and nephews of the McNeill and Brewington families; cousins; and friends.

Arrangements By: Knotts Funeral Home, Sanford