Frenchie Marselle Nettles

Ms. Frenchie Marselle Nettles, age 65, of Pittsboro, NC, transitioned to eternal rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC.

OUR FRENCHIE…
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.”
II Timothy 4:7 NLT

FRENCHIE MARSELLE NETTLES was born on February 7, 1960, in Chatham County, North Carolina, to the late Verline Nettles Toomer. She was a proud alumnus of Northwood High School, Pittsboro, North Carolina, graduating in 1978.

FRENCHIE made her home in Pittsboro and as she matured into adulthood, she became a strong advocate of hard work, perseverance, and equality. From the former Glendale Hosiery Mills, Siler City NC; to Galloway Ridge at Fearrington Village; to being a substitute teacher with the Chatham County Schools; to being a driver for friends at the T&L Transportation Company, Bear Creek NC; to working as a secretary for the dental office of her friend, Dr. Jean Wood, DDS in Chapel Hill NC; FRENCHIE advocated for seniors, students, and the silent.

A woman of deep faith, FRENCHIE was baptized in the Methodist faith at an early age at Evans Chapel AME Zion Church, Siler City, NC. Her journey was one of spiritual growth and maturity as she dedicated her life to the salvation of God’s power. Her journey of faith and friendship were shown and expressed at Evans Chapel AME Zion Church; Johnson Chapel AME Church, Mebane, NC; and Cameron Grove AME Zion Church, Broadway, NC. She faithfully served God as a missionary, a lay member, a stewardess, a health advocate, an usher, and served on the kitchen committee. In addition, she served as the president of the Home Missions Department at Cameron Grove Church until her health became her main priority.  

Beyond her many commitments to her family and her church, FRENCHIE’s ministry was in her kitchen. She had a passion and love for cooking and baking, not only for her family and church family, but for friends and strangers, as well. This was evident in her catering business that served family holiday gatherings, weddings, church events, and community socials. Her moist cakes were served to patrons at Al’s Diner, Pittsboro NC. Her kitchen was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the delicious aromas of her favorite “secret” recipes.

FRENCHIE is fondly remembered as being dedicated to her church, dependable to her family and friends, and devoted to her God. She was a lover of people, never met a stranger, and always adorned a smile. In her last days, she demonstrated enormous strength and spoke with wisdom and conviction reminding us, “God’s got me. I am going to be alright.” On Sunday morning, October 19, 2025, at 6:30 a.m. at Duke University Medical Center, Durham NC, her Great Physician, Jesus, answered our beloved mother’s prayer and granted her the promise of eternal life and healing.

FRENCHIE is preceded in death by mother, Verline Nettles Toomer; her grandmother, Augusta Nettles, and her uncle, Lacy “June” Nettles, who raised her.

The precious memories of our beloved FRENCHIE are forever in the hearts of her four children: LaTanya Smith (husband, Tyrone); Ricky Jordan; Dallas Jacobs, Jr., and Tatanishea Brantley (husband, Quentian); her precious grandchildren: Chris Smith, Kiana Smith, Kyleigh Homonko, Jaidyn Smith, Trinity Brooks, Aaliyah Mitchell, Zariya Brantley, Quentin Brantley Jr. and King Jordan; her sister: Deborrah Nettles; her brothers: Derrick Toomer (wife, Angela) and Kim Toomer (wife, Nancy); her uncle: J. D. Taylor; her special friends: Mary Alston, Beverly Crump, and Dr. Jean Woods; her nieces; her nephews; generations of cousins, and long-time friends.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Pittsboro, NC