Genuine love is shown through a life of giving, serving and caring for others. Nellie Bridges Torrence lived that kind of life. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, caregiver, friend and faithful servant of God, whose greatest joy was taking care of the people she loved.

Nellie was born August 26, 1950, in Caldwell County, North Carolina, to the late Charles A. Bridges and Katherine S. Bridges. She graduated from Old Lenoir High School in 1968 and later attended Livingstone College.

For 49 years, Nellie shared her compassion for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She worked at Iredell Memorial Hospital for many years until she retired. Caring for people was more than her profession; it was part of who she was. In addition to caring for her patients, she also faithfully served as a Deaconess at St. John Baptist Church in Statesville, NC.

Nellie enjoyed cooking, watching football and cheering, “Go Colts!” Above all, she loved her family and found great joy in caring for them.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Brenton L. Torrence Sr.; three brothers, Charles “Beaver” Bridges, Fred “Flash” Bridges and James Larry “Pete” Bridges; two grandsons, Jonathan and Chad Jr.; and one stepson, Brenton L. Bristol.

She leaves to cherish her memory her only sister, Barbara Ann Bridges of Lenoir, NC her children, Lafreida Torrence of Statesville,NC Joy Diggs (Cedric) of Mooresville, Talisha Zinobile (Jess) of Belmont, NC; Brenita Bridges Kincaid (Chad) of Statesville, NC; Mary Torrence of Statesville, NC; and Brenton “Chris” Torrence (Denistris) of Statesville, NC. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Nellie’s life was one of love, service and family. The care she gave, the meals she prepared, the people she helped and the love she poured into her family will never be forgotten. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue through the generations she leaves behind.