AULANDER — One of Aulander’s and the Roanoke-Chowan area’s most beloved citizens has completed their earthly duties.

Elizabeth Cox Jenkins Steimle Nelson (“Miss Lib”), passed away on Thursday, December 9 at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville. She was 86.

“Miss Lib” was a renowned artist and civic leader, known best for the admiration she possessed for her community.

Elizabeth Nelson was the daughter of Mimie Cox Jenkins and Herbert Jenkins, Sr.  She was predeceased by a brother, Herbert Jenkins, Jr.

Mrs. Nelson was a graduate of East Carolina Teachers College in Greenville and the first art major there.  She was honored in 2005 by the now East Carolina University.

In past years she was active in many civic organizations.  She served on the Town of Aulander Board of Commissioners.  She was a member of Connaritsa Baptist Church.

As a founder of the Civic League, an organization formed to raise funds and promote the community of Aulander, she edited the cookbook, “Stirring Up Memories,” and designed an afghan with replicas of various buildings in the Town of Aulander.

A lifelong lover of music, she presented recitals and other musical events for many years to benefit Civic League projects.  She was chairman of the committee to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Aulander, N.C.

A noted artist, she painted in watercolors, acrylics, and oils.  Her paintings were exhibited throughout North Carolina and can be seen in many local homes.  She also designed houses for friends in the Roanoke-Chowan area as well as the Sallie Harrell Jenkins Memorial Library.

Mrs. Nelson is survived by her son, Bert Steimle, of the home and daughter, Beth Steimle Parker and husband, Phil, of Louisburg and a grandson, Hugh Parker and wife, Maureen, of Raleigh. She was predeceased by her husbands, John T. Steimle and Clifton Nelson.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 13 at the Nelson home, 417 E. Main Street, Aulander.

Contributions in her memory may be sent to the Sallie Harrell Jenkins Memorial Library, PO Box 189, Aulander, N.C. 27805.