With deep love and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Deaconess Cora Lee Neloms, who departed this life peacefully on July 12, 2025, at the age of 94 surrounded by her children and grandchildren

Deaconess Cora was born in Brooks County, Georgia, on November 6, 1930, to Preston Waters Sr. and Elizabeth Linder Waters. Deaconess Cora was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was known for her infectious laugh, warm spirit, and upbeat personality—qualities that touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

On December 18, 1948, Deaconess Neloms married the love of her life, Ellis Neloms, and together they built a strong and loving home rooted in faith, joy, and resilience. She was a devoted mother to seven children, Ruth, Robert, Don, Morris, the late Nan, Sue and Mat.

Deaconess Neloms joined Fodie Church of God in Unity at an early age and remained, a faithful and loyal member until her health failed. Her favorite song was “God’s got a way of doing things and I like it.”

Deaconess Neloms worked for many years as a housekeeper at the Presbyterian Home, balancing her responsibilities there with the extraordinary task of raising her children. Her life was a model of strength, grace, and tireless dedication to family.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Ellis Neloms, her adorable daughter Sophronia Brooks; her dear brothers Preston Waters, Jr. and Aresta Waters; precious granddaughter, LaMisha Neloms, baby grandson, Lidell Sloan and her adopted grandson Rev. Stanley Lawrence.

She leaves behind a lasting legacy through her children Ellis Ruth Sloan (Eddie) of Quitman, GA; Robert Neloms (Mae Frances) of Quitman, GA; Preston Neloms (Valerie) of Montgomery, AL; Morris Neloms (Pauline) of Decatur, GA; the late Sophronia Brooks (Eugene) of Boston, GA; Elizabeth Adams ( late Cleo) Quitman, GA & the light of her life, her baby Mattie Neloms of Quitman, GA all of whom were the center of her world and the pride of her life. A favorite granddaughter, Kendra Reddrick, her baby grandson, Marcus Simmons. Also, her adopted children, Carl Deshazior, Joyce Lawrence, Terry Turner and Fred Bell. Her close friends Mrs. Jeanette Brown of Pavo, GA and Mrs. Frances Mitchell of Valdosta, GA, Mrs. Bennie Mitchell of Quitman, GA and Deacon Carlos Davis of Quitman, GA. Her precious caregiver, Mrs. Ruby Reynolds, Quitman, GA whom she adored.

Deaconess Neloms’ memories will live on in the laughter of her grandchildren, Keith, Kendra, Rudolph, Tony, Robert, Chauncey, Eric, Rashad, Daphne, Eugene III, Lequesha, Shiquita, Libby, Ellis and Marcus and her adopted grandson, Craig Thomas of Savannah, GA each of whom brought her joy and carried a piece of her enduring spirit. Deaconess Neloms will also leave behind to cherish her memories, her great grands, great-great grands, her Fodie Church Family and her pastor and wife Dr. and Mother Kenneth Dupree and friends.

We celebrate her life with deep gratitude for the time we shared and the faith that assures us we will see her again in that great getting up morning.

Visitation will be Friday, July 18, 2025 at the Stevens-McGhee chapel from 4PM-7PM.

Home going services will be Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 1PM at the Church of God in Unity with Dr. Kenneth Dupree, officiating. Burial will follow in North End Cemetery. Visit this website or our Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home Facebook page to view a livestream of the celebration.

Continue to pray along with the family during this trying time.