LOUISBURG, NC-- Mavis Layton Nelms, 91, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 20, 2021. She was born April 16, 1930 in Franklin County.

She is survived by her children, Jane Nelms Barber of Emerald Isle, Stephen Nelms (Jackie) of Louisburg, and Warren Nelms (Jeannie) of Bunn. She is also survived by her sisters Sue Layton (Daryl) of Louisburg, Annette Robertson (Larry) of Raleigh and her brother Jimmy Layton (Irene) of Spring Hope and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Russell Perry Nelms, her parents Ernest and Bessie Layton, sisters Lucy Cannady, Eleanor Applegate, Marie Chadwick and brothers Buck Layton, Billy Layton, and Ronald Layton, and her grandson Timothy Barber.

Grandchildren are Heather Blackwell (Jon) of Cape Carteret, Travis Nelms (Josie) of Louisburg, Amy Dew (Mike) of Rocky Mount, Chris Barber (Jennifer) of Swansboro, John Nelms of Louisburg, Andrew Barber (Lauren) of Cape Carteret, and Mark Nelms of Louisburg.

Great-grandchildren: Michaela Dew, Autumn Nelms, Abby Nelms, Cameron Blackwell, Hillary Blackwell, Allison Barber, Eli Barber, Ethan Dew, Daniel Barber, and Henry Barber.

Mavis was a member of Hill King United Methodist church for over 70 years, where she sang in the choir, was a Sunday School teacher, a member of the United Methodist Women, was the chairperson of numerous committees, and was recognized as the 1992 Mother of the Year. She was a 1950 graduate of Edward Best High School in Justice, NC and enjoyed organizing class reunions.

She loved gardening, cleaning, singing, entertaining, and spending time with family at her cabin on the back of the farm where meals often included her legendary Brunswick stew and pecan pie.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 from 3 p.m.-4 p.m. at Hill King United Methodist Church, Louisburg, where a funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. with Reverend Bill Haddock officiating. Burial will follow at Lancaster Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hill King United Methodist Church 1989 NC Hey 39 Hwy S. Louisburg, NC 27549. Arrangements are under the care of Lancaster Funeral and Cremation Services. Online condolences may be made to www.lancasterfcs.com

Paid obituary