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The family is requesting that all monetary donations be given to: Pruitt Care Foundation, www. pruittcares.org or mail to Pruitt Cares Foundation 1626 Jeurgens Court, Norcross, GA 30093 in care of Nellie Ruth Council. Nellie Ruth “Nell” Drew Council, oldest daughter of the late Rev. Nathaniel C. & Charity Williams Drew, was born in Newport News, VA on March 27, 1930. She departed this life on Feb 27, 2024. Nell as she was called by family received her early education in the public schools of Hampton and Newport News, Va. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Elizabeth City State Teachers College in 1951, graduating with honors. She did further study at North Carolina Central University of Durham, NC & East Carolina University of Greenville, NC Upon graduating from college she worked in Columbia, SC before coming to Martin County where she taught until retiring in 1987. In August of 1956, she was united in marriage to Willie J. Council and this union lasted for 67 years. Two wonderful children were born to this union. Early on, Nell was an active member of the N.E.A. and local association serving as Secretary of the Martin County Teachers Association and Martin County Education Association. She was a member of the Volunteer Action Committee of the Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Membership Corporation, serving as Secretary and later as Chairman. She served on the Martin County Board of Social Services and worked as a lay health adviser of the Lineberger Cancer Center of Chapel Hill, NC in Martin County. This volunteer service remained close to her heart and important in the fight against cancer. She received a commendation from Chapel Hill as an outstanding volunteer. She also loved being a school volunteer at Edna Andrews School, helping at-risk students improve their learning. She received a commendation from the Governor, the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. She served on the Board of Martin Memorial Library. She had a great love of reading which she hoped to pass on to her beloved grandson Andrew. In her 80’s, she had an epiphany that told her that she needed “to do something for the children”, so she wrote a small book titled “Gran and Drew” telling of her life and love with Andrew. Nell was a member of Mount Gethsemane Baptist Church and was active in church functions. Nell was preceded by her younger sister, Fannie DuVal Drew. Nell leaves behind her husband, Willie J. Council; daughter, Beverly J. Council (Christine) of Durham, NC; son, Wilson C. Council (Wanda) and grandson, Andrew all of Robersonville, NC; brother, Henry R. Drew of Hampton, VA; a daughter of the heart, Demeteria Staton of Williamston, NC; and many relatives and friends. “I have lived my life and that which I have done, may He within Himself make pure, but thou, if thou shouldst never see my face again; pray for my soul. More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.” -Anonymous-

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Mrs. Nellie Council

March 27, 1930 - February 27, 2024