of Batesville, AR
January 22, 1945 - January 5, 2025
Farris Martin Nelms, 79, passed away on January 5, 2025 in Batesville, Arkansas. She was born on January 22, 1945 in Chester, South Carolina to Addison Farris Martin Jr. and Eleanor Smith (Holton) Martin and grew up in Kingsport, Tennessee where she graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University and later obtained a master's degree from Arkansas State University, leading to a meaningful career as a counselor in the Batesville Public Schools.
She married Dick Nelms on August 6, 1966 and together they built a loving family. She enjoyed gatherings with family and friends, traveling, cooking, gardening and creating special moments with her grandchildren. A devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church in Batesville, she found lasting joy in her faith community.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Betsy Henley. She is survived by her husband, Dick Nelms; her sister, Eleanor Winfrey of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; her children, Frank and his wife, Susan of Greenbrier, Arkansas, David and his wife, Leigh of Rogers, Arkansas, Preston and his wife, Ashley of Batesville, Arkansas and Beth Pierce and her husband, Jon of Winston Salem, North Carolina; her 11 grandchildren and her two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 25th at the First Presbyterian Church, 775 E Boswell St, in Batesville. A lunch reception for family and friends will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the charity of one's choice.
Sign Guestbook
19 Condolence(s)
Isabelle Tenace
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Ashley and Penelope, please, pass on my prayers to Preston. So sorry for your loss.
Rob & Jenny Karlovetz
Monday, January 20, 2025
Our deepest condolences. You and your family are in our thoughts.
Alan Vickery
Sunday, January 19, 2025
In our thoughts and prayers,
Phyllis, Alan, Paige, & Andrew Vickery
Nelda Dantzler
Sunday, January 19, 2025
So thankful I got to visit with Farris and Dick on Thanksgiving this year. Farris was will be sadly missed especially in our card games.!
Lynn and Dennis Rose
Friday, January 10, 2025
Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his faithful servants .
Psalm 116:15
We believe Farris rests peacefully with God now, fully restored to health. God bless the Nell’s family.
Chris and Lynne Treat
Thursday, January 9, 2025
Our most sincere condolences for the loss of one of earth's angels. May her memory live on in her family forever.
Sherri Hughes
Thursday, January 9, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Farris was a beautiful human being and a very kind, loving soul. You will be in my prayers.
Jim Tiller
Thursday, January 9, 2025
It's difficult at best to find words to express feelings about someone who is gone. My wife and I, Dick and Farris were best of friends before marriage and children. However, we were like long distance neighbors, talking often on the phone. Dick was my brother then, and still is. We have prayed together and at times cried together trying to comfort one another over the sickness and now death of our beloved wives. Then we are alone. She no longer there to speak with about all those years together. The love will never die.
Dick I am so sorry for your loss. She will be remembered and loved by your family and friends. God bless you Brother!
Linda and David Hidy
Thursday, January 9, 2025
Dick and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. It was an honor to have known Farris.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God bless.
Linda and David
Danny & Beth Mitchell
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Dick and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Martha Harrison
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Farris. She was a shining star in high school and throughout her life. I remember many double dates with Robert and her and Dick. Their long and supportive marriage was envied by many. RIP Farris.
Debbie Botto
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
I fell in luv with you the first time I met you Farris.
A beautiful soul a beautiful woman and a beautiful family you and Dick made.
I am very happy I met you and Dick. I will always admire the beautiful marriage and relationship you two shared. I will keep you both close to my heart.
Prayers for Dick and family. I pray for peace and comfort.
Robbie Cox
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Farris was such a kind lady. I worked with her at Batesville Middle School. She was incredible working with kids. Thoughts and prayers to her entire family.
Patsy Wilson
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
I am very sorry to learn of the passing of Farris. Dick and all the children are in my prayers.
Robbie Lawrence
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
So sorry for your loss, praying for all the family..
Andrew C. West
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
I am so sad to hear of Farris' passing but glad that I got to see her in the Fall of 2023. Farris and indeed the entire Nelms family were an important part of my upbringing. Not sure how many meals she cooked for me, and she drove us all over the state of Arkansas for camps, tournaments, etc. Many fond memories. My sincere condolences to the entire Nelms and Martin families. Farris certainly left quite a legacy of four wonderful children, 11 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
Dan & Sidney West
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Our thoughts are with Dick and her children and their families. We thank God for Farris whose life was well lived in service and devotion to others.
Greta Hambrick Seward
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Cathy, Glenn, Chad, Jhen, Brian, XaXa Edwards
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.