Cora Elizabeth Nicely

Cora Elizabeth Nicely, age 86, of Russellville: On December 14, 1931, a candle was lit for Cora Elizabeth Nicely. It brightly burned for 86 years, and then it began to dim and flicker, expiring on Friday, September 27, 2019. Cora, known as “Sister” to her family and closest friends was the second born child to the union of the late James “Jim” Nicely and Mattie Lou Lawrence-Nicely. She grew up in Russellville, TN. Cora attended Morristown College High School and continued on to Morristown College.  After college, she moved to Washington, D.C. where she worked for the United States Government for over 25 years. Upon retiring, Cora returned to her roots; Russellville, TN. She was an avid church member of Bewley’s Chapel in Russellville. One of her passions was music, especially Gospel music. She also had a love for shopping and was an enthusiastic sports fan.  
Cora is preceded in death by her parents James “Jim” Nicely Sr. and Mattie Lou Lawrence Nicely; two sisters, Edna Lou Nicely and Georgia Ruth Nicely-Langston; one brother, Samuel “Sammie” Nicely; and a lifelong friend, James Gilchrist. 
Cora leaves to cherish her memory: three sons, Kerry Nicely (Joyce) of Russellville, TN, Bruce Nicely (Ecurb) of Temple Hills, Maryland, and Lynwood Nicely (Karen) of Strawberry Plains, TN; two brothers, James Nicely Jr. of Morristown, TN and Robert “Bob” Nicely (Debbie) of Whitesburg, TN; one sister, Roberta “Bert” Patton of Morristown, TN; one brother-in-law, Hollis Langston Jr.;  she also leaves 7 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. Services to celebrate the legacy of Cora Elizabeth Nicely will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Westside Chapel Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. and the homegoing service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Hamblen Memory Gardens. Arrangements by Westside Chapel Funeral Home in Morristown.

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