Nelma Brown Justin

Nelma Brown Justin, age 90 of McMinnville, died Monday, December 28, 2015. She was born November 5, 1925 in McMinnville to the late James A. and Florence Brown. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alfred Ray "Happy" Justin; two brothers, James B. "Buddy" Brown and David E. Brown; and four sisters, Flossie Brown, Lossie Adcock Pursley, Eva Brown Young and Pearline Brown Wright. She is survived by daughter, Bonnie Anne Justin of Lancaster, TX; sister, Mary B. McCulley of Chattanooga, TN; niece, Cynthia (Charles G.) Knight of Rossville, GA; nephews, Dr. Kenneth H. (Peggy) Wright, Jr. of Huntsville, AL, Maurice L. (Lee Ona) Young of Athens, TN, Ronnie (Carlene) Brown of McMinnville, and Andre McCulley of Orlando, FL; special friend from birth, Thelma Masey; and many other friends and family also survive. Nelma was a leader and a servant of her community, McMinnville and Warren County. She began her working career at Caney Fork Electric Cooperative. She joined Ben Lomand Telephone Cooperative as their second employee in 1954. She retired after 35 years in 1989. Nelma had a passion for those who suffered from mental illness. She started the CHEER Mental Health Association at her kitchen table in 1968. She had actively served on the Board and was a member of the association until the time of her death. Also throughout her years, Nelma served on many Mental Health State Association committees and boards. She served on President Carter’s Commission on Mental Health. She also served this community as a Board Member of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the United Way, Rotary Club and American Heart Association. She was also a very active member of First United Methodist Church, and was a Girl Scout Leader. A memorial service was held Sunday, January 10, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in the Historic Sanctuary of McMinnville First United Methodist Church with Rev. James Johnson and Rev. Frank Gale officiating. Visitation was at the church prior to the service at 1:00 p.m. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Ladies Fellowship Class of First United Methodist Church, CHEER Mental Health employees and employees/retirees from Ben Lomand Connect. Nelma Justin believed in doing all she could, and she donated her earthly body to Vanderbilt University School of Medicine’s Anatomical Donation Program. A graveside service and inurnment will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 27, 2016 in Mt. View Cemetery. Family and friends are to meet at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to McMinnville First United Methodist Church Building Fund or CHEER Mental Health. Thanks to Avalon Hospice, Raintree Manor and High Funeral Home for their great care and compassion.