Nellie Mae Black

Nellie Mae Atkinson Black , 83 of Columbia went to heaven to be with her Lord and Savior on April 12, 2025.

Born in Mt Clio, South Carolina on August 12,1941, she was the daughter of the late Woodrow W. Atkinson and Annie Marie Herrington. Ms. Black retired from Kentucky Fried Chicken after many years of dedicated service. After retirement, Ms. Black moved to Wagener, SC to be closer to her brother. She began working at the Wagener Senior Center preparing meals for the senior program “Meals on Wheels”. Ms. Black spent many years giving back to her community. Working at the Senior Center brought Ms. Black great joy. Helping others has always been a priority in Ms. Black’s life.

Ms. Black had a life long relationship with her Lord and Savior. She was a member of Victory Fellowship Church where she was involved in a card ministry. She loved sending cards to fellow Christians that needed to know that there was someone that cared. Ms. Black was also a hugger. She loved hugging people to let them know that they were important to her, that they were special, and most of all that the Lord loved them.

One of Ms. Black’s favorite hobbies was collecting bells and she had quite the collection. Once people knew of her love of bells, she received many as special gifts, all of which she treasured. Another of her favorite past times was reading and her favorite book to read was her Bible. Ms. Black loved her Lord and she loved her family.

Survivors include her children, Anna Pierson Downs, Ralph Sidney Pierson, III (Carla), David Woodrow Pierson, Pamela Lynn Sloan (Andy); Grandchildren, Lori Anna McArver (Phillip), Elizabeth (Beth) Thomas Downs, Amanda Lynn Pierson, Hunner Travis Mancil; Great Grand Children Aubrey Hope Downs, Emsley Carter McArver, Elsie (Ella) Elizabeth Downs. In addition to Ms. Black’s parents she was preceded in death by her brother Jack Atkinson; infant daughter, Janet Lee Pierson; grandson, Timothy Justin Downs and infant great grandson, Stephen Brice Downs.

The family of Ms. Nellie Black would like to express their heartfelt gratitude towards to the staff of Merrill Gardens, Brookdale Assistant Living, and the Agape Hospice House.

The funeral service for Ms. Nellie Mae Atkinson Black will be held 2:00 pm on Friday, April 18, 2025 at Temples-Halloran Funeral Home Chapel, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC. Burial will follow at Bush River Memorial Gardens, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia SC. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 18, 2025 at 1:00 pm until the hour of service at Temples-Halloran Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Agape Hospice House. 128 Library Hill Lane, Lexington, SC 29072

Temples-Halloran Funeral Home proudly serves the Black family in their time of grief.