Nedra Jones Nolen

WOODFIN—Nedra Jones Nolen, age 79, of 26 Stone River Drive, passed away, Monday, March 2, 2009, at the John F. Keever Solace Center in Asheville. After retiring from Square D Company, Nedra worked from morning to night on her first love, flower gardening. She had an amazing green thumb and plants thrived under her care. When she became unable to work outside, she would create beautiful artificial flower arrangements inside and give them away to everyone. But much more than her flowers, she loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her whole face lit up when they were around and she would do anything just to see them happy. An Asheville native, she lived her whole life in Western North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Joseph Edward and Lucy Wise Jones. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James "Jim" Nolen, whom she missed dearly; brothers, Edward Jones and Harry Jones; sisters, JoAnn Jones and Betty Gaddy; and son-in-law, Dennis Shelton. She is survived by her children, son, Garry Nolen and wife, Alice; daughters, Jackie Lasher and husband, Richard; Pamela Shelton and Gay Smith; eight grandchildren, Alicia Nolen, Tammy L. Molis, Kelly L. Simpson, Mark Lasher, Jillian S. Merrill and Caitlyn, Beau and Cassidy Smith; three great grandchildren, Dylan and Jordan Molis and Lasher Simpson; sister, Peggy Shoffner; very special niece and great niece, JoAnn Black and Linda Black, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, March 5, 2009, at Calvary Baptist Church on Haywood Road, Asheville, with Dr. Bill McMahon officiating. Burial will be at New Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon, Weaverville, where the body will remain until placed in the church one hour prior to the service. At other times the family will be at the residence of Pamela Shelton, 155 Elkins Branch Road, Weaverville. Flowers are acceptable and appreciated. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider CarePartners, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813. The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at the Coli Critical Care Center of St. Joseph's Hospital for their kindness and caring. And also to the staff at the Keever Solace Center in making our mother's last days peaceful and full of love. A memorial tribute video will be available Wednesday at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com under Mrs. Nolen's obituary.