Nellie LaMerle Dempsey

Nellie LaMerle Dempsey, 90, of Phenix City, AL, entered her heavenly home on February 4, 2025. A visitation will be held at Vance Brooks Funeral Home, 3738 Hwy 431 N, Phenix City, AL 36867, on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 10:00 am (EST) followed by a Graveside Service at 11:00 am (EST) at Lakeview Memory Gardens.

Nellie LaMerle Dempsey was born in Phenix City, AL on October 5, 1934, to the late Jess Norris and Annie Selena Norris. After attending Central High School, she worked as a seamstress until going to Ft. Benning to work as an upholstery and canvas worker until retirement. Nellie LaMerle was a member of the American Legion, the Cemetery Committee for years, and Pine Grove Baptist Church most of her life. Nellie LaMerle adored her husband and looked forward to square dancing with him. They were a power couple and awarded the Mr. & Mrs. Senior Citizen award one year. She enjoyed camping, gardening, and sitting on her swing watching the hummingbirds. She loved hummingbirds and sewing. Nellie LaMerle was a caregiver to many people. She was known as “mama” in assisted living and kept everyone on their toes with her feisty personality. Nellie LaMerle especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. She spent Monday night at JRs for gospel and Thursday nights at the Senior Activity Center with the Let’s Pick music group. She missed her best friend, Evalene Hutcherson dearly and reminisced on their trips and late nights out together. In her free time, she watched the Atlanta Braves and Alabama football. Nellie LaMerle will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her. 

Nellie LaMerle Dempsey is preceded in death by her husband, Oscar C. Dempsey; parents, Jess Norris and Annie S. Norris; daughter, Delores Battles; sons, Oscar O. Dempsey and Clifford L. Dempsey; sisters, Eloise Holmes and Joan Marie; brothers, Robert T. Jarrett, David F. Norris, and Jake Jarrett, and grandson, David Posey Jr.. 

Nellie LaMerle is survived by her daughters, Deborah D. Linn (Dennis), Linda M. Posey, and Judy D. Franklin (John); son, Bobby G. Dempsey, Sr. (Bonita); grandchildren, Adam Johnson (Nikki), Howard Johnson (Doreen), Angel Battles, Angie Stone (Jeff), David Posey Jr., Kathryn Bryant (John), Ashlyn Hudson (Brandon), John Bessant (Allison), Brooke Sheppard, David Dempsey (Robin), Joy Meredith (Michael), Susie Irving (Dave), Tina Drummond, Cliff Dempsey Jr. (Cherie), Bianca Neaves (Brent), Belinda Cooper (Ron), Bridgette Herring (Randy) and Bobby Dempsey Jr. (Kasey); 53 great grandchildren, and numerous great-great grandchildren.