TARBORO – Nell Hobbs Beale Gay died peacefully on March 19, 2014 at The Fountains of The Albemarle in Tarboro.

Nell was born September 2, 1918 in Durants Neck, NC to Charles Norman Hobbs and Nell Harmon Hobbs (Whedbee). Nell was married to the late William Joseph Beale, Jr. of Jackson, and later remarried to the late David E. Gay of Seaboard.

She was the mother of William Joseph Beale, III ( Sandra Parker Beale) of Jackson, and Margaret Beale Cooley (Tillman W. Cooley, Jr.) of Dallas, TX.

Nell is survived by her children, Bill and Margaret, her five grandchildren, Elizabeth Beale Coggins (Jeffrey), Jo Anne Beale Futrell (Donald), Tillman Webb Cooley III (Michele), Charles Cooley (Angel), and Nell Cooley Ward (Johnny), and her 11 great-grandchildren, Kate and William Coggins, Cullen Futrell, Thomas and William Cooley, Allison, Ashley, and Charles Cooley Jr., and Elizabeth, Anna, and Charlie Ward. Also surviving are four nieces, Frances, Barbara, Jean, and Sara; and one surviving nephew, Robert.

Nell is also survived by two step daughters, Sally Burnette of Orange Beach, AL, and Mary Howell of Seaboard, and their children, Mary Lynne Burnette, Rod Howell, and Sally Howell Donaldson.

Nell moved to Jackson in 1937 to work for the Gay and Midgette law firm. She subsequently married William Beale, Jr. and lived in Jackson until after his death. In later years she married David Gay and moved to Seaboard.

She worked for the Northampton County Health Department for many years during her time in Jackson. She was very active in the community with the Baptist church, Women’s club, and various volunteer groups in both towns. Throughout her life, Nell held a special love of the Outer Banks and made many trips to the beach, especially her beloved Nags Head area.

In 2007, Nell moved to the Fountains of The Albemarle in Tarboro, NC where she enjoyed many new friends. Her family would like to thank all the staff at The Albemarle for their help, and especially her caregiver Annie Worsley.

In lieu of flowers a contribution can be made to the Jackson Baptist Church, Jackson NC or the Church of the Saviour, Jackson, NC in memory of Nell Hobbs Beale Gay.

A time for family and friends to celebrate Nell’s life will be held at Massey Funeral Home in Jackson on Sunday, March 23, 2014 from 2-4 p.m.

A graveside memorial service will be held Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Robert’s Chapel Cemetery in Pendleton.