Nelda Sue Fulghum

nelda fulghum

December 16, 1953 ~ January 11, 2025

Born in: Livingston, Tennessee
Resided in: Joelton, Tennessee

On January 11, 2025, Nelda Sue Fulghum, age 71, peacefully entered the arms of her Lord and Savior. Born and raised in Livingston, TN, she was the cherished daughter of Howard and Nilene Masters and the beloved sister of Stevie Joe, whose life was tragically cut short in childhood. Her parents and brother preceded her in passing, leaving her as a legacy of strength, love, and faith.

Nelda was the devoted wife of Garland for 46 years, a partnership rooted in love, laughter, and a shared commitment to their faith. Together, they built a family grounded in devotion and warmth. Nelda was the proud and loving mother of Carla, Joshua, Jacob and his wife Ashley, and the adoring grandmother to six grandchildren: Benjamin, Juliana, Ethan, Caleb, Connor, and Maggie. Her family was her greatest joy, and her unwavering love, laughter, and guidance will forever remain in their hearts.

Having previously resided in Ashland City, Nelda lastly made her home in Joelton, TN in 2010, where she continued to bless the lives of those around her. Known fondly as “Miss Nelda,” she dedicated her life to nurturing and educating young children, holding multiple degrees in childhood education and development. Her expertise in infant and toddler brain development shaped her career as an executive director of several child care organizations in the Nashville area and earned her recognition as a trusted voice at regional and national conventions. Her passion for children’s growth and learning left an enduring impact on countless lives.

Nelda and Garland found joy in life’s simple pleasures—heartfelt conversations, long dinners together, and exploring the beauty of God’s creation on drives through the countryside. Her kind, humble, and gentle spirit, paired with her boundless capacity to love, made her beloved by all who knew her.

A dedicated member of the Western Hills Church of Christ in Bellevue, Nelda was surrounded by a faith community that brought her immense joy and support. Her presence, marked by her compassion and faith, will be deeply missed but forever cherished.

Nelda’s life was a testament to her faith, her family, and her unwavering love for others. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and devotion that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Visitation with the Fulghum family will be on Sunday, January 19th from 1PM until 2PM. The celebration of her life will follow at 2PM, all at Western Hills Church, located at 7565 Charlotte Pike. David Estes will officiate the service.

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104, (615) 857-9955. We are proud to be West Nashville & Bellevue’s only locally owned and operated burial & cremation provider.

Services

Visitation: January 19, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Western Hills Church
7565 Charlotte Pike
Nashville, TN 37209


Celebration of Life: January 19, 2025 2:00 pm

Western Hills Church
7565 Charlotte Pike
Nashville, TN 37209


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Guestbook

  1. To know Nelda was to love her. She always had that beautiful smile every time I saw her. I have known and loved the family so many years that I feel like a part of the family. Rest in peace sweet Nelda.

  2. I was raised in Livingston, Tennessee. Nelda Sue (Susie)and my oldest sister Rita went to school together and were close friends. They were Majorettes together at Livingston Academy in the 70s. I lived near Nelda when I was about 12 and I got to know her very well. Carla was about 8 & Josh was 4, I think. I loved being around Nelda and Garland. They were a beautiful couple and it was always evident that they loved each other deeply. Nelda was one of those people that you just enjoyed being around. She was down to earth and very loving, kind and accepting. And yes she was always smiling. I can honestly say I’ve never seen her angry. I would hang out at her house and we would talk and play cards. She was a true joy to be around. Garland (aka Brantley) was the Love of her Life! They moved to Nashville around that time. After I graduated high school I joined the Navy and lost contact for many years until we reconnected on Facebook. I started working at the Nashville VA this past year and I was so happy to see her after so many years. She had not changed. I hugged her and told her I loved her not knowing that would be the last time I saw her. Nelda Sue was a beautiful soul and she will be truly missed. But the memories of her beautiful smile and heart will always be remembered. Until we meet again Nelda Sue! 😘❤️

  3. I was once asked, who was my inspiration. Who helped you in being who you are today?Who helped modivated you to choose good?
    Who can you look back on and say, they helped me start the journey of childcare. My mind stopped in an instant and had one persons name on my mind, Mrs. Nelda Fulghum. I told that person my story briefly and she said to me, “I know Nelda”. It was quite awesome that she knew my person and over 20yrs had past and she knew my Nelda.

    I remain in childcare today because she gave me a job and daycare for my boys(my 1st preschool class was with Wesley). When I left the center, I left with a career in my future. I remain in childcare today after, over 20yrs all because she believed in a momma who just needed a “JOB”. Mrs.Nelda is at the feet of Jesus tonight.She loved the lord so much!
    Rest in peace sweet lady, your time on earth is done! Forever in my heart!❤️

  4. I’m saddened to hear about Nelda Sue passing away. She was ahead of me in school & time passes, and friends get away from you as they move away and we all go different ways in life. Although I hadn’t seen her in years, I found her on Facebook and it was enjoyable to reconnect with her because I didn’t know where she had gotten to. I have fond memories of us back when we were young at school and around town. May she rest in the comfort of our Lord and Savior now. Sending love & prayers to her family.
    Sharlotte (Hood) Lewis

  5. I am so sorry to hear this. Nelda was a light and inspiration to anyone she met and greatly impacted the lives of many children and their families. She will be missed. Prayers to all.

  6. My sincerest condolences to Garland, children and grandchildren. I am so, so sad to hear of Nelda’s passing. She was such a beautiful soul who, as I came to know her, dedicated her life to others. May you rest in peace Nelda, thank you for your wonderful engagement over the years.

  7. Praying prayers of comfort for family and friends of Nelda… she made such a difference everywhere she went and especially in the Early Childhood Field in which she was an expert. She will be great missed by all. She was full of grace and truly one who believed in second chances for other.

  8. I am so sorry for your loss may. God be with you and your family in this difficult time. My prayers and love are always with you. Love Miss. Linda. (Mawmaw).

  9. I had the pleasure of working with Nelda on the TAEYC board. She was the epitome of kindness. She will be missed in this world. I am sending prayers of comfort for her family

  10. I worked with Mrs. Nelda at the McNeilly Center for Children. Nelda will surely be missed. I never forget the impact that she made on me and others at the center.

  11. Dear Nelda, Your goodness, compassion, kindness, and respect for children (& humanity) live on. Stay near and guide us…

  12. Dear family you have my condolences I pray that God gives you strength and comfort in your time of Bereavement God Bless you

  13. Ms. Nelda was so kind, loving, and compassionate. When I visited her in the hospital, she had gift baskets made for all the nurses who had cared for her. She was truly an inspiration to all who knew her.
    To her husband and children: I am so sorry for your deep loss and praying that God surrounds you with peace and comfort.

  14. Dear Nelda. Thank you so much for believing in me with my success. I enjoyed our talks and I never had to worry about it going else where. You inspired me to climb the ladder . Thanks to you I’m now working with ex-Ed department as a para professional thanks to you. Thank you so much. You will be truly missed. Take your rest.❤️

  15. Nelda and I graduated in 1971 and were in the band at Livingston Academy High School. We were part of a small group of friends and enjoyed many trips with the band. I live in Knoxville now and Nelda and I reconnected on Facebook a couple of years ago. Although it’s sad to hear that she has left this world, I look forward to seeing her in the next.

  16. She taught me so much about myself and children. She will forever have a special place in my heart. Thank you family for sharing her with so many people especially me.

  17. Nelda was my former employer, her sweet and gentle spirit is what I will remember most about her. Her smile when she walked in would light up any room that she walked into. Her love for her staff and the children that she would oversee daily was unmatched. Garland and the rest of the family will be in my prayers. She will be greatly missed!🤍


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