1918
2017
Nell Elizabeth Bass Eubanks died peacefully at Pearl River Nursing Home on June 6, 2017. She was 98 years old.
This beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, aunt, volunteer and friend was born on August 31, 1918 to Isaac Houston and Hoyt Fenn Bass in Lumberton, Mississippi. Nell Eubanks lived a long, generous and remarkably resilient life. She leaves a legacy of hard work and deep love of her large family and wide circle of friends.
Her surviving family includes five children: Nell E. Noonan of Durham, NC, Michael Ray Eubanks (wife Sue) of Lumberton, Mary W. Eubanks of Durham, David B. Eubanks of Chapel Hill, NC, and Gaston W. Eubanks (wife Shannon) of Chapel Hill; twelve grandchildren; twenty-eight great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews including Isaac Houston Bass, III of Hattiesburg. Her husband of 63 years Michael Joseph Eubanks, a baby daughter, son Fenn B. Eubanks, and siblings Isaac Houston Bass, Jr., Mary Jo High, Gaston Ray Bass and Hoyt Fenn Bass preceded Nell in death.
This matriarch loved her large family dearly. She was a fantastic cook. Family dinners were memorable for delicious food and lively conversation. Special occasions and birthdays did not slip by her, and she would always call to sing "Happy Birthday" over the phone up until a few weeks before she died. She was an avid correspondent who kept in touch with family and friends around the country through her many letters and cards to them.
Nell had a passion for flowers, which included a special love for camellias. Late in life she and her husband operated the Pigford Camellia Nursery in Lumberton. They were members of the American Camellia Society, and Nell served as a certified judge at camellia shows throughout the South.
Another strong interest was American history, including her family's genealogy. This interest in history was far reaching, and she and husband Mike were active members of the Mississippi Historical Society for many decades. Like her mother, she was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution since 1951. Along with other DAR members, she played a role in the preservation of Rosalie, an antebellum home in Natchez, MS. She served as a docent dressed in period costume to give guided tours during the Natchez Pilgrimage. She moved to Biloxi in 2000, and served as Regent of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter of the DAR (the oldest chapter in Mississippi) from 2004 – 2006. She relocated to Hattiesburg in 2006 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Nell was active in supporting her children's schools and activities. She loved to read and had a special interest in libraries and literacy programs. This active energetic woman served as president of the Lumberton Woman's Club in 1957-58. She was involved in the Methodist Church in Lumberton and in Chapel Hill, NC when she resided there. There was always a Bible and devotion book on her nightstand.
Nell will be buried in the family plot in the Lumberton Cemetery. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Lumberton United Methodist Church, Eleventh Avenue, Lumberton 39455 on July 15, 2017 at 11 AM.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by White Funeral Home.
4 Entries
June 5, 2023
Friend
Margaret Marasco
A true Southern Lady in every aspect of the word. I tought very highly of Ms. Nell. She was always nice to me. I met her at DAR. Miss you Ms. Nell.
September 16, 2019
Margaret Marasco
Ms. Nell was a charm. She was one of the first ladies I became friends with when joining the DAR. It is a pleasure to have been able to know her and call her friend. I lost track of Nell in 2015 but have never forgotten her. Here it is 2019 and wondering what had happened I googled her name and found this obit. I know such a sweet proper southern lady is enjoying her time in heaven.
June 17, 2017
Monica Shaw
My name is Monica Shaw. I took care of Ms. Nell Eubanks at a resident assistant facility. She was a very sweet lady, and I was very blessed to know her. My prayers go out to the family.
June 13, 2017
THOMAS Link
Sending loving thoughts and prayers your way as you remember and celebrate the amazing life and love of your mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. Sincerely, Tom Link, friend and fellow Duke Chapel Choir Member of Mary Eubanks
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