Nan Kirby Jefferson

Nan Kirby Jefferson, age 83 of King, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2014 at Universal Healthcare. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, March 6, 2015 at Davidson Funeral Home, Hickory Tree Chapel. Burial will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 1:30 prior to the service. Nan was the youngest of four children. She became an aunt for the first time at the age of twelve. She loved both her brother’s and her sister’s children as if they were her own. She graduated from Hanes High School in 1949 and married the love of her life and husband of 64 years, Athol in 1950. For over three quarters of her life, Nan took care of Athol, and Athol took care of Nan until he passed just four short months ago. Nan worked as secretary to the Vice President at Wachovia Bank after she married. She then traveled all over the United States and abroad with her husband. She always wanted to be a mother. Fifteen years after they married, she and Athol adopted two children. Nan could not have been a more devoted mother in any way, shape or form. When Allison and Phil were small she decorated cakes for wedding and special occasions. She was the original Cake Boss…a train cake for Phil, a doll cake for Allison, a piano cake for a niece. She could do it all. Nan was an incredible cook and gracious hostess. She hosted many family birthday dinners, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter meals. In addition to special occasions, she always made sure there was a home cooked meal on the table every night for her family. Nan came to every football and baseball game that Phil played. She was ever present in the stands at Mineral Springs Jr High, Carver High and North Forsyth High School. She was at every game in which Allison cheered every dance recital, every piano recital in which she participated. She was the girl’s director of the Tiny Vikings football program and was always there to help in any way she could. Nan was always doing little extra jobs. In addition to cake decorating, she catered weddings with the staples of a southern wedding….homemade cream cheese mints, cheese straws and chicken salad sandwiches. She cooked up Wrangler hot dogs at Paragon Supermarket and so enjoyed seeing her friends and neighbors while on the job. Later in life, Nan started her business, Violets by Nan Jefferson. She had the greenest of thumbs, an acute business savvy and genuine entrepreneurial spirit. She grew the most beautiful African violets and orchids. With Athol by her side, she sold them at the local Farmer’s Market and several different flea markets. She had visitors from all over the United States to see her flowers. Her business helped put both her children through college. It was very important to both her and Athol that their children had a college education. Nan was there for the birth of all of her granddaughters. She loved them beyond words and was so very proud of their accomplishments. Nan was the most giving and loving person with the highest integrity. She was kind. She was smart. She was important. It was important to her that her children be raised to be respectful, kind, loyal, good citizens and mindful of the Golden Rule. She was the perfect role model. She never forgot a birthday of a friend or family member. She had an infectious smile and the prettiest most unforgettable blue eyes. Phil and Allison are so very lucky to have been with her holding her hand when she took her last breath. It was the most precious of moments. Nan was preceded in death by her parents, Nitus and EJ Kirby, Sr., and infant sister, Audrey, her brother, EJ Kirby, Jr. and her husband Athol. She is survived by her sister, Guelda Farrell of LaPlata, MD, her son Phil (Robyn), her daughter, Allison (Steve) and five granddaughters; Laura Ann, Caroline, Meredith, Reese and Brenna along with a host of nieces and nephews and their families. Incredible thanks to our friends at Universal Healthcare of King. We cannot thank you enough for your kind hearts, countless hours helping Mom, playing Bingo, dressing Mom and Dad up for Halloween, the fun activities that Mom thoroughly enjoyed, making so many friends and welcoming us into your home. You will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. Never forget that to the world you may be one person, but to one person, you are the world. Family and friends are invited back to her son’s home after the graveside service. Davidson Funeral Home, Hickory Tree Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net.